Steve Barnes steps down as GroceryAid chief executive

Steve Barnes has decided to step down as GroceryAid chief executive after six successful years leading the charity for family reasons.

GroceryAid said Mark Williamson, member of its Board of Trustees, will serve as interim chief executive until a replacement is appointed.

“Steve has made a significant contribution to GroceryAid over the last six years, not least leading the charity through the pandemic. As chief executive, Steve played a key role in launching GroceryAid’s emergency Covid-19 Fund to rapidly support key workers in the industry that were working on the frontline to help feed the nation. We wish him every success as he explores new opportunities,” the charity said in a statement.

Williamson brings with him a wealth of experience of over 35 years in the grocery trade. He has held multiple senior leadership positions at Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, and up until 2017, sat on Waitrose’s Management Board for 10 years as their Commercial Director.

He has sat on the GroceryAid Board of Trustees since 2016 and has a deep understanding of the charity. He will step back from his role as a Trustee until a permanent replacement is appointed.

GroceryAid added that the Board of Trustees, chaired by Ruston Smith, has begun the process of recruiting for a permanent chief executive, which is expected to conclude over the coming months.