FSDF names new chief executive

The Food Storage and Distribution Federation (FSDF) has named Chris Sturman as its new chief executive, replacing John Hutchings, who, after 11 years in the role, has decided to step down.

Sturman officially takes over the reins on the 1 May, but is already on-board, working through a handover phase with Hutchings.

The past four years have seen Sturman acting as an independent consultant, while prior to that he was chief executive of Linq Alliance, and previous to that, MD of West Kent Cold Storage. His long history in the food supply chain also entails working for TDG, NFC/BRC Southern, Ross Youngs and Wincanton.

Speaking to RT.com, Sturman says the relatively short handover period indicates the faith that the FSDF has in his ability and knowledge of the industry. He says there is a lot going on in the sector, which he will be tackling going forwards.

"The phasing out of the R22 refrigerant by the end of this year is a key issue we are helping our members prepare for, as well as the Carbon Reduction Commitment, due to be launched by the government in 2010," says Sturman.

FSDF president James Woodward adds: "We are delighted to welcome Chris to the role of chief executive. His background and personality are ideally suited to driving forward the already high profile of the FSDF and to developing further the wide range of valuable services provided to all our members."