The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has announced that forecourt veteran Mike Greene, its former chairman and now the CEO of the My Local chain of convenience stores, has stepped down from its board.

Greene chose to step down as both he and My Local’s trading director Neil Turton were represented on the board as co-opted directors, and he felt that it was appropriate for My Local to have only one representative on the ACS board.

Greene has been an ACS board member for 20 years, initially joining as Conoco’s representative, and then being co-opted as a director due to his expertise and experience working with a range of businesses in the sector. He chaired ACS twice, from 2001-2003, and then again from 2006-2007. He has also served as a member of the public affairs committee, and chaired ACS’s news arm, ANR, from its inception in 2001 to 2006.

He said: “It has been a privilege to lead and support ACS over two decades. I have learned so much from my fellow directors and from ACS as an organisation, and I am proud to have made a contribution to developing this organisation, who’s value to the sector was perfectly demonstrated by its leading role in defeating the government’s plans to liberalise Sunday trading hours last month. I will retain an active involvement in ACS, and My Local will continue to be represented on the board through Neil Turton.”

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Mike has been a key part of ACS for 20 years, working tirelessly on committees and specialist groups, and on the main board. He has always been passionate about convenience retailing, and determined that the sector should have the advocate it deserves in a strong and effective ACS. I am personally lucky to have spent time with Mike, and like many people in our industry I have been inspired by his vision and drive.”

Mike Greene is giving the closing address at ACS Summit’16 on 19 April.

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