Kieran Hemsworth

Industry charity GroceryAid has appointed Kieran Hemsworth as its new chief executive.

With more than 30 years in the FMCG industry, Hemsworth has held senior positions at businesses such as Coca-Cola, Ginsters and PZ Cussons. He recently completed an MBA.

Hemsworth will take up the role on 4 September taking over from Steve Barnes while acting interim CEO Mark Williamson will return to his position as a trustee from September.

Commenting on his new post, Kieran Hemsworth said: “I am delighted to be appointed as chief executive of GroceryAid. From my 30 years in the industry, I have huge admiration for the vital work that the charity does - which provided a critical lifeline for so many of our industry colleagues during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Maintaining this support remains the utmost priority as we navigate through the cost-of-living crisis and I am determined to build on the fantastic work that has been done, working alongside the highly experienced and dedicated team at GroceryAid.”

Ruston Smith, chair of GroceryAid Trustees, added: “Kieran’s vast experience and deep understanding of the industry will be a real asset to our charity, and I, along with the Board of Trustees, am delighted to welcome him as our new Chief Executive.

“I am certain that Kieran’s passion to help colleagues in need will, in addition to his strategic and marketing capability, help to further increase and improve the support we offer and our reach into the industry working with our excellent GroceryAid team.

“The work of our charity has never been more important and we are seeing record demand for our support and services through the cost-of-living crisis. Kieran joins at an important time for GroceryAid as we continue to expand the support we offer across the country to help colleagues in need.”