On 1 January 2009, the start of our centenary year, Justin King, chief executive, Sainsbury’s, became president of IGD and Charles Wilson, chief executive, Booker Group plc, became vice-president.

	Justin King, the new IGD President

The president is a figurehead for IGD and chairs the Policy Issues Council (PIC) – a forum for chairmen and chief executives of the food and grocery industry which debates topical issues and spearheads change and improvement to deliver more for consumers.

The Policy Issues Council meets regularly to engage on several projects each year. These projects deliver important improvements across the industry, in areas where IGD members can work together.

“There are many opportunities for us to drive change in health and nutrition, sustainability and other areas where we can make a difference for consumers in the challenging economic environment,” said Justin King. “Although the credit crisis will remain challenging, there will be plenty of opportunities for the food and grocery industry to further develop.”

	IGD industry programmes      - Diet, health and nutrition - ECR UK - Sustainability - Supporting small food businesses

Sainsbury’s is a long-standing member of IGD and Justin has been a valued supporter, bringing energy and enthusiasm for tackling issues to his work. He has been chief executive of Sainsbury’s since March 2004 and before that he held the position as director of food at Marks & Spencer. As well as being president of IGD, Justin is a member of the CBI President’s Committee and is a patron of Skillsmart Retail, the national sector skills council for retail.
 

Booker chief becomes vice-president

Charles Wilson has worked with us for a number of years on many industry programmes and has been a long-term advocate of key initiatives, such as sustainable distribution. Charles joined Booker as Chief Executive in November 2005. Prior to this he was Executive Director for Property, IT and Supply Chain.

Justin King has been vice-president of IGD for the last two years and succeeds Alastair Sykes, chairman and chief executive of Nestlé UK and Ireland. He and Charles Wilson will serve two-year terms.
 

Find out more about IGD here
 

Justin King and Charles Wilson will be among the speakers presenting at the IGD Convention 2009 on 13th October. Find out more here.