SWA set to appoint new president at upcoming AGM
RETAIL director of United Wholesale Grocers (UWG) Tom Slaven has been announced as the new elected president of the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA).
Slaven will be appointed as the new president at the SWA’s upcoming AGM on 18 June as he is set to succeed Julie Dunn, operations director of Dunns Food and Drinks.
Slaven said: “As a huge supporter of the SWA and its work over many years, both as a supplier and latterly as a wholesaler, it was a big moment for me when I was invited to join the board.
“But to be asked to take over Julie as president is an even bigger honour and I look forward to developing my predecessor’s groundbreaking work and putting my own stamp on the association.”
Slaven has been a member of the SWA council for several years now as he moves to take on the role of president and brings a wealth of experience with him to the position with its experience working at UWG but also from prior work with drinks supplier Anheuser-Busch and Asahi UK.
Speaking on his announcement, Slaven pledged to continue to support the people who make up the Scottish wholesale channel as he believes that is where its strength lies.
He said: “The sector in Scotland is collaborative and innovative, driven by people who are ambitious and not afraid to take risks – and that’s what makes it such an exciting place to be.
“I also take inspiration from wholesale stalwart Eddie Lynagh, formerly of Booker, who served as SWA president on two occasions, and always stressed to me that without good people our industry would not thrive.
“Fast-forward to 2024 and our sector – both wholesalers and suppliers – is proof that people with drive, ambition and ideas can collectively ensure that wholesale continues to grow and make a significant contribution to the Scottish food and drink supply chain.”
Commenting on Slaven’s appointment, Colin Smith, chief executive at the SWA, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Tom Slaven as our new president, taking over from Julie Dunn whose sterling work over the last six years has helped SWA cement its position as relevant and focused trade assoication with its members and people at its core.
“We thank Julie for her hard work and commitment in the knowledge that Tom is an equally passionate advocate for our industry who has ideas of his own to help the SWA evolve as the association its existing interests and ventures into new areas, serving members on the many issues and challenges that affect our sector.”
