Alastair Sykes, chairman and chief executive of Nestlé UK and Ireland, undertook the role of president of IGD, the international food and grocery expert, from January 1.

He succeeds Tesco chairman David Reid to the two-year term after holding the office of vice-president for two years.

The role will see Sykes chairing the Policy Issues Council (PIC), an IGD-hosted forum for industry leaders that looks at the long-term challenges facing the industry.

Sykes said: “This is a very exciting time to become president of IGD.

“We expect health, nutrition and diet to remain high on the agenda for the industry next year, and major themes will be the environment and corporate responsibility.

“IGD took up a leadership position in November when it hosted the Sustainable Food Industry Summit. It brought the food and grocery industry together with CSR and sustainability experts for the first time to explore one of the most important issues for our industry. Over 150 delegates from leading retailers, manufacturers, Government, NGOs and other commentators were there, and we will be taking the outcomes forward through PIC.

“I am personally looking forward to driving this agenda, alongside Joanne and the other PIC members, particularly as it presents an excellent opportunity for the industry to work collaboratively.”

IGD chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch said: “I am delighted to have Alastair as President of IGD at this really important time for the industry. He has an excellent understanding of the issues, and I look forward to making a significant contribution to the agenda on the environment, health, nutrition and diet.”

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