The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is seeking a director general capable of marrying top-level politicking with devising the money-making schemes needed to reduce reliance on hefty membership fees.
BRC chairman David Felwick has outlined the ideal candidate's qualities ahead of the departure of incumbent Bill Moyes at the end of this month.
'We are looking for someone with considerable talent who can represent retail primarily with Government, and run a team that does that effectively,' said Felwick.
The appointee does not require a retail pedigree, but it would be a bonus.
He added media relations are not seen as the prime function.
Headhunters Saxton Bamp-fylde Hever have been briefed to fill the£150,000 a year post. Ads have appeared in the national press, seeking a 'first rate intellect with commercial nous and a sense of humour.'
Felwick said the new director general joins as the Retail Strategy Group, a high level Government contact group chaired by Asda president Tony DeNunzio, reports.
Felwick believes the BRC must decide 'what comes next', with talk of the formation of a 'forward-thinking high-level body' under the aegis of the BRC. Felwick himself is scheduled to step down this summer after Moyes's replacement arrives in March.
'We have always had one or two commercial elements to the organisation and are trying to develop that so we can stabilise the subscription income,' he said. 'Subscription income is about 70 per cent and we would like to see that come down.'
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