Industry body set to appoint new board positions
THE Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has unveiled its next vice-president of the trade association’s National Executive Board.
Andrew Kenney, central operations director for UK retail at bp, is set to take on the position of VP on the body’s National Executive Board for the next two years.
This will see the outgoing VP Graham Watson, Moniavie store owner and most recent recipient of the Scottish Grocer Awards‘ Industry Achievement accolade, take on the position of president of the board for the next two years.
Speaking on his appointment, Kenney said: “I am delighted to be taking up my new VP post on the SGF’s board, and I want to thank all the members of the SGF who have supported and encouraged me.
“I would like to thank Graham and I’m particularly looking forward to working more closely with him in his new role as president, and Pete Cheema as SGF chief exec, both of whom consistently deliver huge value and support to our industry.
“bp has a long and proud history in Scotland – we opened our first fuel station on the Shetland Islands in 1922 and there are now over 100 bp retail sites in Scotland.
“We are working to transform forecourt convenience with everything from fuels to more electric vehicles (EV) charging facilities, high-quality food and drink and a great customer experience.”
The two will be officially appointed as the VP and president during the President’s Welcome Dinner at the SGF Annual Conference, which this year is set to take place in the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow on 2 October.
This changeover will also see the end of chief sales & marketing officer at JW Filshill Craig Brown’s time as president of the organisation’s board.
Brown said: “At the SGF, we are delighted that one of our most active National Executive members, Andy Kennedy, has agreed to take on the role of VP, supporting incoming president Graham Watson.
“With Graham’s passion for community retailing and innovation, and Andy’s 25 years’ experience with bp, we have a dynamic duo who will lead the SGF – supporting chief executive Pete Cheema and his talented, dedicated team of individuals – for the next two years.
“The forecourt sector is dynamic and fast-paced, and Andy’s vast knowledge will be invaluable to the SGF and its members.”
Cheema welcomed Kennedy to his new position, noting his appointment to be a landmark moment in the SGF’s history.
He said: “Andy is the first person in SGF’s 106 year history to come from a forecourt background, which will add a different stance to the ever changing convenience market.
“bp are an enormously valued member of the SGF. Forecourts make up a substantial sub-section of the convenience sector, providing an additional lifeline and service for may communities across the country.”
