SGF’s Youngest Ever President Steps Up

In a further sign of a significantly changing industry, Nisa retailer Dan Brown has today (26th August) been inaugurated as the new President of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation. Brown, driving force behind the award-winning Pinkie Farm Store in Musselburgh, is the Federation’s youngest ever President. He takes the reins as the convenience sector grapples with the ongoing challenges of an unprecedented public health crisis. In an unique sign of the times, the event took place during a virtual meeting of the SGF National Executive.

Brown takes over from the outgoing President Asim Sarwar, Managing Director of United Wholesale Scotland. Sarwar was at the helm during SGF’s historic centenary year and has played a key role in guiding the Federation through the crucial early months of the pandemic. Brown’s Presidency will focus on supporting retailers and maximising the opportunities provided by the new customer appetite for shopping locally.

Dan Brown said,

“2020 has already presented us with circumstances that nobody could have predicted, and as an industry retailers have fought through these challenging times with heroic strength and resilience. It is now more crucial than ever to maintain this united strength and with the growing influence and support that the SGF can provide, we hope to do everything we can to equip and support our fellow retailers through the next few years of challenge and uncertainty.”

SGF CEO, DR Pete Cheema OBE said,

‘We are in unprecedented times. No one could have predicted that Dan, who will be the youngest ever SGF President in our 102-year history, would take the reins of the Presidency as we struggle with the impact of a global pandemic. There are massive challenges ahead but there are also real opportunities, the likes of which we haven’t seen before. Dan has the energy, the drive, and the enthusiasm to help us shape the industry - and SGF - over the next 2 years to ensure we maximise these opportunities. The torch has been passed to a new generation - I look forward to working with hm tremendously’.

Brown will formally receive the chain of office at the next SGF annual conference, currently scheduled for April 2021.