Allan Leighton, chairman of the Co-operative Group, Brewdog and Pizza Express, has been appointed as president of grocery industry charity GroceryAid, effective from 1 January 2022.

Leighton said: “The grocery trade has been a huge part of my life since I was a child, and I was honoured to be asked to take on this vital role.

“As we emerge from Covid, I plan to work with the GroceryAid team to ensure the charity is there for all colleagues in those times when they need our support. I look forward to building on the excellent momentum generated by my predecessors.”

Allan will succeed Charles Wilson who will complete his tenure as GroceryAid president in December.

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Wilson said: “It has been a pleasure to serve as GroceryAid President for these past two years. The charity is very dear to my heart, and I am delighted to be handing over to such a capable successor as Allan.

“I know he is equally determined that we continue to work with colleagues across the supply chain to ensure we support grocery people in need as effectively as possible.”

GroceryAid chairman, Ruston Smith, said: “This is excellent news for GroceryAid. The Trustee Board is delighted that we will benefit from the considerable energy, insight and expertise of Allan.

“We will remain forever grateful for the very special contribution made by Charles leading us through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.  We are very fortunate to continue to have such revered industry leaders, as our President, as part of our succession plan.”

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