The appointment of Rob Cowley, former UK Head of Vending for Kraft/Cadbury, as the new Chief Executive of members owned vending consortia, Associated Vending Services Ltd was formally confirmed at a recent meeting of members held on the 3rd November 2011 at the Hilton Hotel, NEC,Birmingham.
Rob wowed the membership on only his second day in the position with a brief outline of what will be a radically different and even more beneficial and purposeful Association in due course.
Rob commented, “I am so excited at being given the opportunity to run what has been a highly respected organisation spanning over thirty years in this industry. The business of members has changed dramatically with the market place in recent years, and now we must change with it! We will continue to provide quality services to members and extend a range of benefits to some of our key supplier partners, and at the same time help members develop new business opportunities. Watch this space – we will be outlining and agreeing some new plans within a matter of weeks into 2012. AVS has begun a new and exciting journey.”
Rob succeeds Brian Tustain, who since 1993 has successfully directed the Association and is leaving to fulfill other personal ambitions, including an important Regional role within the voluntary side of the Conservative Party, as a Governor and Foundation Chairman atBiltonGrangePrep SchoolnearRugby, and taking more responsibility in running his family’s affairs.
Brian commented, “The last 18 years have been fun, and honour and a privilege. My experience in the industry and in the political scene will not be lost, as I intend remaining for the foreseeable future as the European Affairs Director of the Automatic Vending Association (AVA) and the European Vending Association (EVA), advising on a wide range of lobbying and political issues.”
Brian will be advising AVS on request from time to time in the future, and has recently accepted an invitation to be a non executive Director of leading independent vending company, West Country Vending Service Ltd. Brian continued, “Rob’s appointment is brilliant news for the members. He is an outstanding industry figure and personality whose knowledge and enthusiasm will be of huge benefit to members and suppliers alike. I really could not think of anyone else more suited to the role I would rather succeed me!”
