The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has named Laura Bates as its new Head of Retailer Engagement and Marketing.
Laura joins ACS from retail trade agency Cirkle, where she was an Associate Director working across clients including Yoplait, Mars Petcare and Ferrero. During her time there, she led teams delivering high-profile brand campaigns and strategic communications programmes. Prior to this, Laura worked in-house at Domino’s Pizza UK & Ireland as a Communications Consultant and held senior roles at One Green Bean and Lexis Agency, delivering campaigns and NPD launches across a broad range of brands.
Bates said: “I’m excited to be joining ACS at such an important time for the convenience sector. There’s a real opportunity to strengthen how we connect with retailers, demonstrate the value we offer our members and ensure ACS continues to evolve alongside a sector that’s changing so rapidly.”
ACS Chief Executive Ed Woodall said: “We are delighted to have Laura join the ACS team, bringing a wealth of experience in impactful marketing campaigns and community building. This appointment demonstrates ACS’ continued commitment to putting independent retailers at the heart of our strategy, and we look forward to working with Laura on new ways to engage our members.”
As part of her role, Laura will lead marketing and retailer communications for ACS, broaden its reach and future-proof its retailer community to meet the changing needs of the convenience sector.
