David Rae is to retire as chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores by the end of 2006, after five years at the helm. The search for a replacement will begin following a board meeting on 16 May.

Rae has recently steered ACS to success in winning an interim OFT referral of the grocery market to the Competition Commission. During his term of office he has also been credited with developing the Association of News Retailing (ANR) as the news arm of ACS; ensuring the convenience sector was at the heart of talks in tackling under-age alcohol purchases; helping retailers during the reform of alcohol licensing; and playing a leading role in the current campaign against the relaxation of Sunday trading laws.

“I have had a great five years as chief executive with ACS,” said Rae. “Looking back on this time I believe the organisation has achieved a great deal. I know that I leave ACS in a healthy position to move forward.”

Read his column in next month’s edition of Forecourt Trader.

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