After all the votes were counted in an excellent turnout the AVA is able to announce that Gillian White from Crane Merchandising Systems has been elected into the AVA Board position as Machines and Components Representative.
David Llewellyn, Chief Executive of the AVA said: “I am sure you will join me in congratulating Gillian on her appointment. She has served as a co-opted member of the Board for some time and has made a great contribution of her time and energy.
I would also like to thank Richard Gilbert and Emma Redford for putting their names forward. It is always refreshing to see a number of candidates vying for a Board position. I hope we see this in the next round of elections prior to the June AGM.”
Gillian White- Currently MD Europe for Crane Merchandising Systems, based in Chippenham, Gillian has spent her career working in vending in a number of key roles and businesses (Mars Drinks, Mars Chocolate and 24vend to name a few).
Having previously served on both the AVA and EVA Boards and Executive Committees, Gillian is keen to return to a full seat on the AVA Board after these elections. Her broad interests from R&D to Health & Nutrition, place her uniquely to represent the wide reach of the industry, as well as offering a diverse voice and perspective.
With the pace of changes in the vending industry (globally) whether from a political, technical or consumer perspective, the role of the AVA and its Board is ever more important; to promote the relevance of vending in a world of increasing unattended retailing and self-service whilst meeting ever more complex regulations; driving consumer participation together with protecting the interests of all players, regardless of scale and reach.
Gillian’s commitment, is to continue to drive the AVA agenda for all its members; working with all AVA Board members in supporting the Chief Executive and engaging the entire UK vending community to develop, protect and promote our shared interests with all key stakeholders, local and national.
Whatever the outcome of the election, Gillian’s support to the AVA and all its members is a given. Good luck to all candidates!
“My appointment to the AVA board comes at an interesting, if challenging, time for the industry. Convenience or unattended retailing is moving at an unprecedented pace and vending is part of that overall landscape. Tech-savvy consumers expect us to deliver convenience and experience at each and every opportunity, as well as products that fit their lifestyle and tastes. However, in a world of increasing regulation and business uncertainty, the challenges are not to be underestimated and a strong voice and trade representation, such as that of the AVA, is ever more relevant. I’m delighted to be part of that future”