British Retail Consortium names new chairman

The British Retail Consortium, which represents the retail industry, has named former Co-op chief executive Richard Pennycook as its new chairman.

Pennycook will become the new chairman on February 1, 2018, succeeding Richard Baker in the role. As chairman, he will work with chief executive Helen Dickinson and board members to “champion the retail industry and enhance its prospects for growth”.

“We are in the midst of a very challenging period for the future of the retail industry with a huge amount at stake in terms of the reputation of business, future employment, the vitality of our town centres and the overall health of the industry in the face of multiple structural, economic and public policy challenges,” said Pennycook. “With that in mind, I am very much looking forward to supporting and building upon the BRC’s pioneering work. Having a strong, coherent voice for Britain’s retailers is vital if we are to ensure the industry plays its full part in building the skills, opportunities and prosperity of the nation.”

Pennycook has more than 25 years’ experience in retail, including with Allders, J D Wetherspoon, Laura Ashley, Welcome Break, and Morrisons. He currently also acts as non-executive chairman of online retailer The Hut Group, and chairman at department store Fenwicks and kitchen supplier Howdens Joinery.

Richard Pennycook to take up BRC chairman role in 2018

Dickinson added: “The appointment of Richard, a huge figure within the industry, as Chairman will offer continuity and help oversee the implementation of the organisation’s future plans at a crucial point for the industry. We are witnessing an unprecedented pace of economic and political change and it is the BRC’s role to help inform and shape the emerging public policy debate.

“I would like to pay enormous tribute to Richard Baker for his contribution as chairman over the past eighteen months during a period of profound change both for our politics and for the BRC, and for his continued support for BRC.”

Commenting on his departure Baker said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to have served as Chairman and I wish Richard every success going forward. The BRC does a crucial job in representing the industry to policy makers in Westminster and across the UK, and I have every confidence that Richard will seek to further strengthen the work and influence of the organisation and the industry.”

Image: Richard Pennycook - courtesy of the British Retail Consortium