James Lowman will leave ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) in early 2026 after nearly three decades with the trade organisation.
Lowman joined ACS in March 1997 and became Chief Executive in November 2006. During his tenure, he led lobbying campaigns on product regulation, trading hours, employment rules and planning policy, and appeared before parliamentary select and bill committees. He also represented the sector in print and broadcast media, and sat on boards including Community Alcohol Partnerships, the Proof of Age Standards Scheme and the London Food Board.
He chaired and spoke at industry events in the UK and overseas, and under his leadership ACS expanded its membership to include major retail groups and over 100 suppliers.
ACS Chair Ramesh Shingadia praised James Lowman’s leadership and long-standing contribution to the organisation, saying he had transformed ACS since becoming Chief Executive in 2006. Shingadia said Lowman had strengthened the organisation’s voice in government and the media, and had championed the interests of convenience retailers across the UK.
“On behalf of the ACS Board, I would like to express our deep gratitude to James Lowman for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the ACS over the past nearly three decades,” he said.
He credited Lowman’s vision and drive with delivering industry-leading initiatives, including pioneering research, assured advice partnerships and a world-class events programme. Shingadia added that Lowman had guided the sector through the Covid-19 pandemic “with clarity and determination”, ensuring members were supported throughout.
“James leaves behind not only a remarkable legacy of achievement, but also a solid foundation for ACS’s future growth and success,” Shingadia said. “His influence will be felt for many years to come, and he departs with the respect and admiration of colleagues, members, and industry partners alike.
“James’s leadership has left ACS in a position of real strength, with the structures, talent and momentum to continue building on his achievements, we are confident that his work has positioned the organisation for an even brighter future.”
James Lowman said leading ACS had been a privilege and described the convenience sector as inspiring and full of committed people.
“This is the best sector anyone could hope to represent,” he said. “Every day I’ve been inspired by the people around me and by what local shop operators do.”
He said the variety of the role had made it especially rewarding, but after spending his entire career at ACS, it was time for a change.
“I’m very much looking forward to the next part of my career,” he said. “It’s now time to use my experience in new places, learn new skills and gain fresh perspectives.”
Lowman said ACS had a strong board and team, and thanked those who had supported him.
“I’m rooting for the organisation and all of its members… It is a wrench to leave this behind, but the right decision for me now.”
The ACS board, led by Ramesh Shingadia and Vice Chairs Colm Johnson (MD, Retail at Booker) and Phil Ponsonby (CEO, Midcounties Co-operative), has begun the process of recruiting a successor.
