Ramesh Shingadia, an independent retailer of two stores in Horsham, Sussex, has been appointed as the new chair of ACS.

He will join Phil Ponsonby, group CEO of the Midcounties Co-operative, Colm Johnson, managing director of Booker, and Maria Eaton, finance director at MFG, in taking on new leadership roles on the ACS board.   

Shingadia has been in the retail sector for 40 years, and previously held the position of vice-chair on the ACS board. He joined the board in 2017, and now replaces Louise Hoste as chair.

In the new role, he said he will look to “continue lobbying the government on agendas impacting the convenience sector” and support retailers and suppliers on a daily basis.

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Meanwhile, Ponsonby and Johnson will become vice-chairs, while Eaton will assume the audit committee chair role.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “I am delighted to be working closely with Ramesh, Phil, Colm and Maria in their leadership positions on the board. Their combined experience and knowledge of the convenience sector is invaluable and will further strengthen ACS’ position as the influential, effective and truly representative voice for all convenience stores.

Shingadia added “The convenience market is a complex and dynamic sector, with significant changes, challenges, and opportunities at every corner. Against this background, the ACS has demonstrated great foresight, innovation, and leadership in providing guidance and support to both the retailer and supplier.”

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