The Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has appointed Bidfood UK business unit director Jon Mack as its new president.
Mack began his career in foodservice and hospitality at college, where he did an HND in hotel, catering and institutional management, before working at the De Vere hotels group, initially as a graduate then in several hotels.
Mack then joined Booker Fitch as a sales representative, before progressing through a series of roles, from call centre manager and account manager to regional sales controller and general manager for Scotland.
During this time, the company was acquired by Bidvest and was then known as 3663, before becoming Bidfood in 2016. In his current role at Bidfood, Mack is responsible for nine sites in Scotland and the north of England.
Speaking of his role as SWA president, Mack said: “I take on the role at a good moment – the association has real momentum, though the sector itself is facing a lot of change. Our businesses are operating in a tough environment. Costs are high. Margins are under pressure. The regulatory landscape keeps getting more complicated.
“On top of that, technology, sustainability, skills, and changing customer expectations are going to keep reshaping this sector – and the association needs to be ahead of that, not catching up with it. That means helping members prepare for what’s coming, spotting the opportunities inside the change, and making sure wholesale has a seat at the table when decisions are being shaped.
“We’ve got a clear strategy and a robust platform to work from. My priority is turning that into something members feel – practical support, real chances to learn and develop, and strong representation where it counts.”
He will succeed Tom Slaven, who is retail director at United Wholesale Grocers. Under Slaven’s presidency, the SWA has expanded its membership of both wholesalers and suppliers.
Mack added: “Tom brought experience to the role and real commitment. He’s been a strong advocate for wholesale – so thank you for your leadership. Tom is handing over an association with solid foundations and a strong reputation. It’s on us now to build on that.”
Alongside Mack, three new members have also joined the SWA council: Cress Co Adamson Drinks commercial manager Nikki Castley, Thomsons Foodservice sales director Jackie Thomson, and Mark Murphy Dole general manager Brian Breslin.
No comments yet