Former Waitrose and Marks & Spencer director Steven Esom is to become chairman of the BRC’s commercial arm, BRC Trading.

Esom will take up the role in April, replacing David Adams who has held it on an interim basis since August last year and will remain on the board of BRC Trading as a non-executive director.

BRC Trading generates cash for the industry body through initiatives such as global standards and events.

BRC director-general Stephen Robertson said: “BRC Trading is going from strength to strength.

“It’s a measure of its success that someone of Steven’s calibre has chosen to take on this role.

“As it enters its second decade, we have big ambitions to grow the company further.”