Women in the convenience industry have been recognised at the inaugural AACS Women in Convenience Awards, in partnership with C&I Retailing, with Woman of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and Store Operated of the year.
AACS Women in Convenience Woman of the Year Award
Announced at last night’s AACS Gala Dinner and held in partnership with C&I Retailing, BP Australia’s GM of retail, Amanda Woollard, was named AACS Women in Convenience’s Woman of the Year.
Presenting the award, Kerry Appathurai, co-founder of AACS Women in Convenience, said Ms Woollards’ application was “extremely compelling.”
“Amanda has a really strong operational connectivity to what it takes to be successful in the channel and has translated that from operational roles right through to corporate,” Mrs Appathurai said.
AACS Women in Convenience Rising Star of the Year
Erin Walker, marketing and promotions coordinator at UCB, received Rising Star of the Year.
“Erin has achieved so much over the past four years at UCB and has brought new ideas and innovative concepts to how they do business. Erin is also responsible for the annual UCB Conference which is for 400 members and suppliers and is a huge event to co-ordinate,” Mrs Appathurai said.
AACS Women in Convenience Store Operator of the Year
Store Operator of the Year was awarded to Debbie Wessell of BP Buying Group.
“Debbie’s application details how she has built a strong and successful group of retail outlets in regional Queensland,” Mrs Appathurai said.
The AACS Women in Convenience Industry Awards are aimed to recognise the significant contribution women play in convenience retailing from retailers, wholesalers and supplier communities.
The AACS Women in Convenience initiative was started in 2014 by Caroline Waite of Frucor and Kerry Appathurai of Parmalat.
Sign up to C&I’s free bi-weekly newsletter here to receive the latest industry news every Tuesday and Thursday. Follow C&I on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.