Scottish Retail Consortium appoints new Chair

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has appointed Karen Scott, Chief Executive Officer of the Scottish Midland Co-operative Society (Scotmid), as its new Chair, effective 1 August.

Scott, who has 38 years of experience in the retail industry, succeeds Debbie Harding, who has served as SRC Chair since 2024.

Scott became CEO of Scotmid in 2024, following her role as Chief Operating Officer. She was also previously Head of Semichem.

SRC Director David Lonsdale said: “I’m thrilled Karen has agreed to take on the role of SRC Chair. She is an outstanding industry leader and will bring those skills to support the work of the SRC in advocating on behalf of its members and the customers they serve.”

Scott added: “Scotland’s retail industry makes an enormous economic and social contribution, and its presence is felt in communities across the country.

“Retail is an imaginative and resilient industry which is responding positively to evolving market conditions and customer demand. However, this remains a testing time for the industry. Global factors and ever-increasing demands from policymakers are impacting operating costs, which has implications in terms of future employment, the vitality of our town and city centres, and the overall health of the sector.

“With all that in mind, I am looking forward to supporting and building on the excellent work that Debbie oversaw. The SRC is at the forefront of bringing retail’s story to policymakers, encouraging a more coherent approach to help the industry address its challenges. I look forward to helping ensure the sector continues to have a strong voice.”

Scott will be the second female Chair of the SRC since it formed in 1999, following Debbie Harding, and will work with the 14-person board and Director David Lonsdale to champion the retail industry and enhance its prospects for growth.