The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has announced it has appointed Ed Woodall as its new chief executive.
He will take up the post from 1 March 2026, succeeding James Lowman, who announced his departure in September 2025 after 19 years in the role.
Ed Woodall has been at the ACS for an equally long time, joining in 2009 as public affairs assistant, before working his way up through the organisation. He was promoted to lead ACS’ policy work and political engagement and first served as Head of Government Relations from 2014, later becoming Government Relations Director from 2020.
ACS chairman, Phil Ponsonby, said: “We’re 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. There is unanimous and enthusiastic support for Ed’s appointment, and we’re excited to work with him as he leads the organisation into the future.”
Woodall said of his new role: “The 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.”
ACS vice chair and retailer, Susan Connolly, added: “Ed’s vision for ACS has retailers at its heart, and I know independent retailers will be right behind him and ACS moving forward. Independent retailers need a strong ACS, and Ed will make sure we have that into the future.”
Lowman (left) said: “The board has run an excellent and rigorous process, and I’m delighted its conclusion has been to appoint an outstanding leader in Ed. He’s been a key part of ACS’ work for the past 16 years and is perfectly equipped to take the organisation on to the next level.”
Following James Lowman’s resignation, ACS formed a Recruitment and Selection Committee comprising eight directors, including four independent retailers, supported by outsourced talent management advice.
Interviews for the role began at the start of 2026. Following these, the Recruitment & Selection Committee recommended Ed Woodall to the ACS board for appointment. This recommendation was unanimously and enthusiastically endorsed.
ACS chairman, Phil Ponsonby, concluded: “We’re pleased to have conducted an open, objective selection process which attracted applications from a large number of highly skilled and experienced leaders. This gives us great confidence that in Ed we have identified the right person to lead ACS into its future.”
You can now secure your tickets to the Convenience Awards 2026!
Join us on 11 March in Liverpool to celebrate the entire convenience community.
See this year’s finalists and book your seat here.
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