On 1 January 2013, Fiona Dawson, president, Mars Chocolate UK, becomes president of IGD, the international food and grocery analysts and hub for best practice. Andy Clarke, chief executive, Asda, becomes vice-president.
Fiona Dawson has been vice-president of IGD for the last two years and succeeds Charles Wilson, chief executive, Booker Group plc. Both the president and vice-president will serve for two years.
One role for the president is to chair IGD’s industry leaders’ forum, the Policy Issues Council (PIC), which spearheads many of our industry-wide initiatives. The PIC is a think-tank for chairmen and chief executives to debate the strategic challenges facing the food and consumer goods industry.
Fiona Dawson said: “IGD brings the food and grocery industry together to tackle important challenges that affect everyone. They understand the whole industry – from farming, through production and distribution to retail and foodservice.
“I am especially delighted to have the opportunity to help IGD work with industry, to deliver in areas like nutrition, sustainability and skills for genuine public benefit.”
Andy Clarke said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of Vice President of IGD. Our sector contributes over £163bn to the UK economy and accounts for one in seven jobs – meaning we have the opportunity and responsibility to make a significant impact, particularly in tough times. Supporting customers and communities is a passion of mine - the retail industry has a real part to play in this and the role provides the opportunity for me to consistently drive this forward.
“I am looking forward to working with Fiona and the team to drive key initiatives such as creating opportunities for young people, employability, health and sustainability.”
Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive, IGD, said: “I’m delighted to have such a strong presidential team supporting the work of IGD over the next two years. Fiona and Andy take over at a time when we are doing more than ever on skills and employability. For example, Feeding Britain’s Future is helping young unemployed people, and Leading Edge, our free networking and personal development programme, is going from strength to strength.
“Both Fiona and Andy have been keen supporters of IGD and our charitable activities for many years. I welcome them to their new roles and I welcome the opportunity to work even more closely with them in the future.”
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Note to editors:
Fiona Dawson biography
Mars to the core, Fiona joined the Mars graduate scheme straight from Trinity College, Dublin in 1988.
Apart from two years spent with Pepsi in the early 1990s, Fiona has remained with the company in various roles across the European business, including General Manager of the Irish business, UK Sales Director, European Marketing Vice President, Managing Director and now President of Mars Chocolate UK.
On top of the day job, Fiona is also a deputy president of the Food and Drink Federation and served as vice-president of IGD from 2011-2012. Fiona is married with two young boys.
Andy Clarke biography
Andy Clarke’s career in retail began at an early age, when he took his first job at Fine Fare in Grantham aged just 17. He joined Asda in 1992 as General Store Manager of the Edinburgh store, progressing quickly within the business to become a Commercial Director. Between 2000 and 2005 held senior roles at Matalan and Iceland, before returning to Asda as Retail Director. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2007 and became President and CEO in May 2010.
For more information contact:
Jon Neal, Head of Communications, IGD
DD: +44 (0)1923 851916. M: +44 (0)7770 640448. E: jon.neal@igd.com
Mars Press Office: 020 3003 6632
marspressoffice@freud.com
Asda press office:
Bee Hessell 0113 8263448 Bee.hessell@asda.co.uk