GroceryAid appoints Kieran Hemsworth as Chief Executive

GroceryAid has today, Tuesday 27^th June 2023, announced the appointment of Kieran Hemsworth as Chief Executive.

Kieran brings with him a wealth of executive experience spanning 30 years in the FMCG industry, holding senior positions at both globally renowned companies and home-grown British brands.

With a background in corporate leadership, marketing and strategy, Kieran spent over 17 years at Coco-Cola ascending to European Operational Marketing Vice President, before taking on Managing Director roles at Ginsters and PZ Cussons. Most recently Kieran, has taken the time to complete an MBA.

Kieran Hemsworth, said, “I am delighted to be appointed as Chief Executive of GroceryAid. From my 30 years in the industry, I have huge admiration for the vital work that the charity does – which provided a critical lifeline for so many of our industry colleagues during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Maintaining this support remains the utmost priority as we navigate through the cost-of-living crisis and I am determined to build on the fantastic work that has been done, working alongside the highly experienced and dedicated team at GroceryAid.”

Kieran will take up the Chief Executive position on Sept 4 taking over from Steve Barnes. Mark Williamson, as acting interim CEO, will return to his position as a trustee from September.

Ruston Smith, Chair of GroceryAid Trustees, said: “Kieran’s vast experience and deep understanding of the industry will be a real asset to our charity, and I, along with the Board of Trustees, am delighted to welcome him as our new Chief Executive. I am certain that Kieran’s passion to help colleagues in need will, in addition to his strategic and marketing capability, help to further increase and improve the support we offer and our reach into the industry working with our excellent GroceryAid team.”

GroceryAid provides financial, emotional and practical support services to people working in the Grocery industry. Demand for the charity’s services has grown rapidly particularly since 2020, when the work of industry colleagues became a vital part of the nation’s response to the pandemic.

Amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, GroceryAid remains more critical than ever before. Funded by its generous partners and donors of retailers, grocers and manufacturers, the charity provided support to a record 28,204 colleagues across the UK last year, an increase of 61 per cent from the previous year.