The BRC has named former Morrisons and Tesco boss Andy Higginson as its next chair, succeeding Tony De Nunzio as his tenure comes to an end this September.
He will work with chief executive Helen Dickinson to guide “the next phase of the organisation’s development and to support the industry as it faces into near-term policy and market challenges and invests in longer-term change”.
Higginson, who is currently Chair of JD Sports Fashio, has over 30 years’ senior executive and non-executive experience in the retail industry in the UK and internationally, covering a variety of major brands across retail sectors.
He was finance boss at the Burton Group and Tesco, chairman of Poundland, N Brown and Morrisons.
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Higginson said: “In the past three years we have seen the best of retail as it navigated the unprecedented challenges of Covid-19, and the inflationary environment we see today. With innovation, agility and resilience, retailers have continued to deliver for customers. Yet the pressure is still on as retailers need to invest in transforming their businesses for the future.
“More than ever, a strong collective voice is needed to advocate for the industry and to help retail businesses navigate change. I have seen the benefit of BRC membership from the company side of the fence, and I look forward to working with Helen and her team to make sure the interests of the wider industry continue to be looked after.”
Chief executive Helen Dickinson added: “Andy joins the BRC as we deal with multiple public policy headwinds, with a General Election in the UK not far off. We have much more to do on this and big issues like climate change, creating a more inclusive industry, and reaping the benefits of digital transformation, and I look forward to working with Andy to drive forward our work in these areas.
“I would like to thank Tony De Nunzio for his leadership and support over the past three years, where we have dealt with multiple challenges facing the industry, come through a stronger organisation and successfully delivered the BRC’s strategic objectives.”
