Spar MD to be new leader of ACS board

Hoste will succeed Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-Operative’s chief executive, who has held the role since November 2019 and will continue on the ACS board.

Independent retailer Ramesh Shingadia will continue in the role of vice chair.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Debbie has been a fantastic chair over the last two years, demonstrating incredible commitment to both ACS and the wider convenience sector during some of the most challenging times for retailers in living memory.

“Under Debbie’s inspirational leadership ACS significantly enhanced our support for both retailers and suppliers, and we look to the future in a stronger position than ever.

“I am delighted to be working with Louise as ACS chair. She has been a key part of ACS activity from the board since she joined in 2019, and she was a unanimous and enthusiastic choice to become chair.

“Ramesh is as highly-regarded as anyone in our industry as we are delighted he will continue to play a vital supporting role as vice chair. Louise and Ramesh will lead ACS through the next phase of pandemic recovery and beyond.”

Hoste joined Spar in 2019, She has also worked for Walmart in the UK, Canada and Chile in commercial, customer and general management roles.

After leaving Walmart Louise was director of category and pricing at Brakes Foodservice, followed by director of the customer offer at the Co-op.

It was in this role where she re-launched the Co-op brand across the food ranges and worked on the ‘Closer To You’ strategy supporting the local and community agenda.

Hoste said: “It really is an honour to be able to support and contribute to all the work that the ACS do, especially as we have seen over the last 18 months how vital the team have been to the sector.

“Local convenience stores have shown how important they are to the communities that we live in.

“They enhance and enable them to thrive. I want to ensure that we capture the momentum that now exists for local stores, and through using the latest innovations and listening to customers we can provide a relevant and progressive offer for our membership.”