IGD has bolstered its communications team with two senior appointments: Sian Brenchley as director of corporate communications and Allan Edwards as director of stakeholder relations.
Brenchley previously spent nine years as global communications director for market intelligence agency Mintel, where she was responsible for all communications, PR, content marketing and social media activity.
She also spearheaded Mintel’s profile in emerging markets including China, Brazil and across Asia Pacific. Prior to Brenchley managed corporate communications at high-profile companies including VisitBritain, VisitEngland and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Reacting to her appointment, Brenchley said: “I’m excited to be joining IGD at such a pivotal time for the food and grocery industry, raising the profile of IGD’s excellent charitable programmes and our high-quality insight and research with the media and beyond.”
Edwards, meanwhile, has more than 25 years’ experience of stakeholder engagement and communications at a senior global level. He was previously senior director of public affairs and corporate responsibility at Asda and has been a member of the global corporate relations leadership teams at Walmart, Compass Group and Diageo.
“I shall be focusing on increasing the support our members give to our programmes,” he said, adding that he aims to help the industry “understand the implications of Brexit and other challenges.”
IGD’s chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch said: “Sian and Allan bring a wealth of experience in communications and stakeholder relations to IGD. Their expertise will be hugely valuable as we continue to support the food and grocery industry during a time of great change and opportunity.”
