ACS appoints three new directors to board

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has announced the appointment of three new directors to its board – Darren Nickels (Henderson Technology), Susan Connolly (Trading Director, Connolly SPAR) and Rob George (McColls).

Welcoming the new board members, ACS chief executive James Lowman said that the body is looking forward to working closely with new and existing board members on “continuing to deliver the best representation, advice, and industry leading networking opportunities for our members”.

Nickels is Retail Technology Operations Director at Henderson Technology. In 1998 he joined the Henderson Group in Northern Ireland and has played a key role in the growth of the technology service side of the business in the UK and Australia.

“I am very excited to join the Board of Directors at the ACS. It is a great honour for me to be able to share my retail technology experience with forward-thinking independent convenience retailers who are looking to make important decisions that will positively affect the future of their business,” Nickels said.

Connolly is a director of Connolly SPAR, an award-winning retail business with four SPAR stores in Wiltshire. Connolly SPAR has been trading for over 60 years in the area.

“I am proud to represent the independent retailers on the board and look forward to the new position, working with ACS on the challenges facing independent retailers in the future,” Connolly said.

George joined McColl’s in September 2021 as the Customer Director, responsible for keeping the customer firmly at the heart of the business. Prior to this, Rob spent more than 10 years at Sainsbury’s in a number of roles, including leading the Sainsbury’s Local business.

“Since joining McColl’s, assured advice from ACS has been invaluable in helping understand and plan for the implications of key industry shifts such as HFSS and DRS legislation. I’m delighted to join the board so I can give something back to this essential organisation,” George said.

The new board appointments replace Debbie Robinson, Paul Cheema and Andy Cresswell who are leaving the board. Paul Cheema will remain on the ACS Independents Board.