Buying group AIS has appointed a new chairman and deputy-chairman.
Neville Moore, Ulster stores md has become chairman while Darryl Simpson, Aldiss md has become deputy-chairman.
Moore succeeds fellow Northern Ireland department store operator Stephen McCammon, Menary’s joint-md.
‘There has never been a better time to be independent, to differentiate what we do, and offer our customers an exciting alternative to much of the current retail landscape. Independents working together was why we joined AIS some 35 years ago and it’s still one of the reasons we are members today. If we have been successful then I can put a fair amount of that down to belonging to AIS we have learnt much from our peers and gained from the buying strength and support functions,’ says Moore.
‘The sense of AIS being led by members and for members has never been greater and we should engage more to maximise the benefit for all of us. The current economic headwinds will bring further challenges, but I strongly believe the board, the executive and the AIS team are very well placed to rise above the challenges,’ says McCammon, who extended his time as chairman because of the pandemic.
‘AIS is a wonderful organisation for independent retail and is committed to ensuring Members thrive; both Stephen and Neville represent what’s brilliant about this sector – creativity, commercial acumen, and entrepreneurialism – all working together for mutual success. I thank Stephen for his enthusiasm and commitment and look forward to working with Neville and Darryl in driving our strategy for our members,’ says Sue Kemp, AIS md.
Image: Ulster Stores.