Scottish Grocers Federation has announced that Graham Watson BEM has been appointed as its new Junior Vice-President. The proposal was approved unanimously by the SGF National Executive. Watson is an award-winning retailer from Moniaive in Dumfries and Galloway, whose store has gained a reputation for being extremely close to its customers and which played a key role in supporting the community through the pandemic.
The appointment places Watson in a line of succession with Craig Brown, the current Vice-President and Dan Brown the current President. Craig Brown will become President when Dan Brown steps down in October of this year. The new appointment means that Watson will ultimately become President himself when Craig Brown’s term of office ends in 2024.
“I am honoured that my colleagues on the National Executive have shown such a high degree of confidence in me,” said Watson. “Taking on this role is a bit of a daunting prospect but it is one which I am looking forward to immensely. The next few years will undoubtedly be amongst the most challenging our industry has ever faced and the crucial role SGF plays in supporting its members has never been more important. A key focus for me will be to help retailers connect with each other and to ensure convenience stores are genuinely at the heart of their communities.”
SGF CEO Dr Pete Cheema OBE said: “This appointment is a key part of our long term succession planning and ensures continuity and stability at the very top of SGF. Graham’s experience and his passion for community retailing are huge assets to the Federation and I am delighted that the National Executive has made this appointment. Additionally, this new appointment means that the current Presidential Team is one of the strongest we have ever had and will ensure that SGF strengthens its leadership role across the industry.”
Graham Watson was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List of 2021.
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