British Retail Consortium appoints new chairman

Richard Baker, the chairman of DFS and Whitbread, has been named the new chairman of the retail industry’s trade association, the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Baker, who is already on the British Retail Consortium board, will succeed Sir Charlie Mayfield on September 1, when he stands down after a two-year term.

Prior to becoming chair of DFS, who are longstanding members of the BRC, Baker was the chief executive of (Alliance) Boots Group Plc from 2003 to 2007 and prior to that was chief operating officer at Asda.

Commenting on his appointment, Baker said: "I am very much looking forward to working with the BRC members and to chairing the BRC as its role becomes more vital than ever before. The BRC has a strong track record of championing the needs of British retailers – small, medium and large.

“A backdrop of unprecedented transformation in the industry and many external uncertainties provides a real opportunity to influence the future”.

British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson, added: "Richard's CV speaks for itself. His wealth and breadth of experience will be critical as we take the BRC forward through a period of profound political and economic change.

“At the same time, we owe a very large debt of gratitude to Charlie for his guidance, insight and support as our chair, during which time the BRC has undergone yet further transformation. We are especially grateful for Charlie's support for the retail industry's pay, progression and productivity work which has put the changing retail workplace landscape on the economic and political map.”