The UK’s Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) has announced the appointment of Unilever’s Iain Ferguson as president and Tesco’s David Reid as vice president, with effect from 1 January 2003.

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The pair will lead the industry think tank, whose work involves analysing developments in the European and Global food and grocery industry, encouraging companies across the whole of the food industry to work more closely together and acting as an early warning mechanism for the industry by monitoring consumer trends and behaviour, the IGD said.


Ferguson’s career started with Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever in 1977 as a trainee. He had roles in operations, sales and general management before becoming chairman of Plant Breeding International in 1988. In 1992 his role expanded to include chairmanship of the Unilever Plantation Group, and in 1995 he was appointed chairman of Birds Eye Wall’s. He became senior vice president of Unilever last year.


David Reid, deputy chairman of UK supermarket operator Tesco, takes on the position of vice president. His career in retail spans over 30 years and includes the roles of finance director of International Stores, finance director of Tesco and in November 1985 the appointment as deputy chairman. He is responsible for Tesco’s overseas development and operations in Central Europe, Ireland and Asia, and Group Strategic Planning.

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