Ed Woodall will take up the role of chief executive at the ACS in March, succeeding James Lowman, who announced his departure in September 2025 after 19 years in the post.
Woodall joined ACS in 2009 as a public affairs assistant and has held a number of roles within the organisation. This includes leading ACS’ policy work and political engagement, serving as head of government relations from 2014 and later as government relations director from 2020.
Commenting on his appointment, Woodall said: “ACS is a powerful voice for the convenience industry and sits at the heart of a positive, future-thinking and passionate community of retailers and other businesspeople. I want to build on our past and lead these people and businesses into an exciting future where we can engage more people and achieve even greater influence over key policy issues on our members’ behalf.”
Read more: James Lowman to step down as ACS chief executive
Phil Ponsonby, ACS chairman, said: “We are delighted to have made this appointment. Ed has senior experience, exceptional campaigning and engagement skills, understanding of the convenience industry, and excellent relationships with retailers, government, other organisations and suppliers. He has a clear vision which chimes with the ACS board: to make ACS the most effective voice, inclusive community and valuable resource possible.”
Outgoing ACS chief Lowman added: “The board has run an excellent and rigorous process, and I am delighted that its conclusion has been to appoint an outstanding leader in Ed. He has been a key part of ACS’ work for the past sixteen years and is perfectly equipped to take the organisation on to the next level, supported by a superb team and board.”
