GroceryAid has named Co-op chairman Allan Leighton as president of the charity, effective from January 1 2022.

Leighton, who is also the chairman of BrewDog and Pizza Express, succeeds Charles Wilson who will complete his tenure as president in December 2021.

“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,” Leighton said.

READ MORE: Co-op expands Amazon partnership in Bournemouth

“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.”

“This is excellent news for GroceryAid,” its chairman Ruston Smith added.

“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.”

Click here to sign up to Grocery Gazette’s free daily email newsletter