Midcounties CEO Phil Ponsonby has kicked off his new role as chair of ACS.
He succeeds independent retailer Ramesh Shingadia who completed his two-year term this month.
Ponsonby will be supported by Spar retailer Susan Connolly alongside Booker Retail MD Colm Johnson, who are both named as vice chairs, along with MFG finance director Maria Eaton who continues in her role as audit committee chair.
“We will continue to use our collective strength to face into the regulatory and economic headwinds faced by our members but will also continue to learn from each other and the suppliers to our industry as we embrace new opportunities through product and technological development,” said Ponsonby.
ACS has also appointed Lorraine Hendle, MD of UK Brands for William Reed – The Grocer’s publisher – as a new director.
Hendle has played a pivotal role in William Reed’s success since 1998 and now spearheads the strategic growth of the company’s market-leading multimedia brands across retail, manufacturing and hospitality. Alongside The Grocer, these also include Food Manufacture, The Morning Advertiser and the National Convenience Show.
“I am honoured to be joining the board of the Association of Convenience Stores,” said Hendle. “The convenience sector plays a vital role in communities across the UK, and I’m excited to contribute to the important work the ACS does in representing and supporting this dynamic industry.
“I look forward to working alongside fellow board members to help ensure the sector continues to thrive.”
ACS CEO James Lowman said: “These appointments show the diversity of organisation and the depth of talent represented on the ACS board and in our wider membership.
“The organisation is fortunate to be able to build on the superb legacy of Ramesh Shingadia’s tenure as chair, during which his extraordinary commitment has taken ACS’s impact and credibility to new levels.
“I am excited to work with the whole board over the coming months and the next ACS chief executive will be able to draw on an exceptional pool of experience and skill.”
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