Justin King, chief executive, Sainsbury’s, has become the president of the international food and grocery expert IGD with Charles Wilson, chief executive of Booker Group plc set to become vice-president.
The president represents a figurehead for IGD, which is entering its centenary year, and chairs the Policy Issues Council (PIC) - a forum for chairmen and chief executives of the food and grocery industry which debates topical issues and spearheads change and improvement to deliver more for consumers.
King said: “The Policy Issues Council meets regularly to engage on several projects each year. These projects deliver important improvements across the industry, in areas where IGD members can work together.
“There are many opportunities for us to drive change in health and nutrition, sustainability and other areas where we can make a difference for consumers in the challenging economic environment.”
King has been vice-president of IGD for the last two years and succeeds Alastair Sykes, chairman and chief executive of NestléUK and Ireland. He and Charles Wilson will serve two-year terms.
Wilson said: “I am delighted to be working with IGD over the coming years to help improve the grocery market. The credit crisis will remain challenging, however I am confident there are some great opportunities for the grocery industry to develop further.”
Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive, IGD, said: “I am really pleased to have Justin King as president of IGD. Sainsbury’s is a long-standing member and Justin is a valued supporter. His energy and enthusiasm for tackling industry issues will continue to be a real asset to PIC.
“Charles Wilson has worked with us for a number of years on many industry programmes. He has been a long-term supporter of key initiatives like sustainable distribution and will be an excellent vice-president. We will welcome his vision and strategic perspective on PIC.”
Justin King has been chief executive of Sainsbury’s since March 2004. Before joining Sainsbury’s, he was director of food at Marks & Spencer and prior to that held senior positions at ASDA/Wal-Mart.
Charles Wilson joined Booker as Chief Executive in November 2005, from Marks & Spencer where he was executive director for Property, IT and Supply Chain.
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