Royal honour for Scotmid chief

Scotmid CE John Brodie gets 2018 off to a flyer, picking up an MBE and taking on his new role as SRC Chairman

Two for one: Scotmid chief executive John Brodie was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List. The retail stalwart also takes on the role of SRC chair

IT’S been a busy start to 2018 for Scotmid chief executive John Brodie, with the industry leader picking up two prestigious titles.

Brodie was given a late Christmas gift in the form of an MBE, finding himself on the New Years Honours List for services to business and the voluntary sector.

Commenting on the news, Brodie said he was both delighted and honoured on “several levels” to have been awarded an MBE.

“Personally, I am pleased for my family who have supported me throughout my working life in the many challenges that have come my way,” he said.

“This award recognises that Scotmid Co-operative, after nearly 160 years, continues to play a major role in the business life of Scotland and in the communities we serve in England and Northern Ireland.”

The news came just as the Scotmid boss was preparing to take on the role of chairman of the Scottish Retail Consortium.

This is a crucial time for the industry and the challenges it faces have rarely been greater.

Brodie succeeds Andrew Murphy who served as the SRC’s chairman since 2014.

SRC director David Lonsdale said: “I’m thrilled John has agreed to take on the role. John is an industry leader with a proven track record, and I’m sure he’ll bring those skills to support the work of the SRC in advocating on behalf of all retailers and the customers they serve.

On taking up the SRC chairman job, Brodie said: “This is a crucial time for the industry and the challenges it faces have rarely been greater. Technological change and customer behaviour are evolving at pace.

“The demands from government appear to be ever-increasing, providing fresh challenges at a time when technology is incentivising more flexible and automated approaches.

“I look forward to taking on the leadership of the SRC board, and driving that process of advocating for change.”