Grocery Aid’s director general Gillian Barker has announced that she will retire at the end of November after 14 years with the charity, with Steve Barnes succeeding Barker as the charity’s chief executive.

Barker said in a statement: “It has been so rewarding to work within this great industry, promoting the work that GroceryAid does. The charity has moved from being a benevolent fund with a turnover of £1.4 million and 1,100 beneficiaries to an organisation with a turnover of £4.7m supporting more than 11,000 current and former industry associates.

“Every working day at GroceryAid has been a pleasure, thanks to the support of my great colleagues and trustees. I would also like to thank the 402 volunteers who give up their time to help run the charity, be that on our committees or as welfare assessors and befrienders for our beneficiaries. Without your support none of this would have been possible.”

Barnes will leave his current role as the commercial and membership director at the Food & Drink Federation (FDF) after four years and has spent his entire career in the grocery industry.

In July, GroceryAid spent £4.3m on welfare projects, according to its end-of-year financial results.

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