Who's who

PATRON: David Reid, Chairman, Tesco

David has been non-executive chairman of Tesco since April 2004.  He has worked for the multiple retailer since 1985 where he has held a number of posts including Finance Director and Deputy Chairman with responsibility for business development, strategic planning and international operations in Central Europe, Asia and the Republic of Ireland.
Until becoming Caravan’s patron, David had not had any involvement with the charity other than attending various fund raising events. However he is now keen to throw his weight behind Caravan’s mission. “I was surprised at the social issue of people from the grocery industry having insufficient means to live on,” he says. “It is very important that our industry colleagues support Caravan, and we need to increase awareness as this issue is getting worse, not better. The challenge is not only for retired employees from the industry, but also for current employees in the industry who are not providing for their retirement.”

PRESIDENT Darren Blackhurst, Executive Trading Food Director, ASDA

Darren began his career at Tesco in 1988. Over an 18 year period with Tesco he held various buying and commercial positions, culminating with his appointment to Commercial Director for Tesco Thailand in 2002. Darren moved to Asda in January 2006 to become Food Trading Director. Over the past 2 years he has completely turned around the Asda Food Business and played a key role in the reinvigoration of the Asda business.

HONORARY TREASURER & CHAIRMAN OF WELFARE COMMITTEE Tony Paine, Waitrose

 

DIRECTOR GENERAL Gillian Barker

Gillian joined Caravan in 2002 from Safeway Stores plc where she held the position of Commercial Director. Gillian’s career, which has been entirely in retailing, includes a long spell with J. Sainsbury plc where latterly she was Vice-President of the Shaw’s brand in their American operation, Shaws Supermarkets.