The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has today announced the appointment of James Lowman as chief executive.
Lowman will leave his current role as ACS director of public affairs on November 1 and take up his new appointment with immediate effect.
He replaces retiring chief executive David Rae.
The 31-year old joined ACS in March 1997. He has headed up a number of high profile political campaigns, including the referral of the grocery market to the Competition Commission, the successful opposition to Sunday Trading hours extension, and the introduction of the No ID No Sale message relating to sales of alcohol to minors.
Lowman said: “I am passionate about the sector, and what ACS has achieved so far. My overriding intention is to tackle the difficult issues that the sector faces head on, and make ACS even more visible as the champion of the convenience retailer.
“I am delighted to be offered the role as chief executive and determined that ACS will become indispensable to our sector under my direction.”
The ACS board, which was responsible for shortlisting and selecting the new chief executive, also announced that Mike Greene will take up a new role as chairman.
Greene will replace existing chairman Mike Sherwood.
Jerry Marwood, vice-chairman at ACS, who led the recruitment committee, said: “ACS is at a crucial point in its history, and we have appointed a new chief executive and chairman who can drive our mission forwards with dynamism and a real understanding of the issues that affect our sector. We have a huge amount of confidence in James Lowman, and we expect that, with James leading the organisation and with Mike as chairman, tangible rewards will be reaped for ACS and its members.”
