A former Sainsbury’s director has joined the British Retail Consortium (BRC) as director of standards and technical services.

Geoff Spriegel will start in June and oversee the BRC’s Global Standards, with the aim to enhance the existing range and develop products.

BRC director-general Kevin Hawkins said: “This is a very important appointment for the BRC and we look forward to Dr Spriegel helping to further enhance the reputation and reach of BRC Global Standards. He is uniquely qualified for the role, with an extensive range of experience and outstanding technical knowledge.”

Spriegel added: “This is a unique opportunity to join an organisation at a crucial stage in its development. I’m looking forward to the challenge of developing the standards and building on their reputation in the international market.”

There are BRC Global Standards - which mean that a producer or supplier is following best practice for quality and product safety - for food, consumer products, packaging, storage and distribution.

Spriegel previously worked as technical director for Sainsbury’s.