Uwe Hanneck has stepped down from his role as chief executive of the KBB retailers association the KBSA.
Hanneck joined the KBSA as chief executive in 2015 and is said to have steered the association through a period of substantial growth, with its retail membership having increased by 74% in that time.
Hanneck helped lead the association through such challenges as the Covid pandemic and provided members with valuable support through lobbying the Government on important issues.
Prior to joining the KBSA, Hanneck had previously been CEO at BSH UK, chaired the KBB NTG (National Training Group), which was dissolved in 2016.
Commenting on Hanneck’s departure, KBSA national chair Richard Hibbert said: “Uwe has achieved so much during his leadership. He leaves the KBSA in a position of strength, with more members, a greater range of business benefits than ever before, as well as an expanded head office team and a robust board of directors.
“Uwe will be a hard act to follow and while we have initiated the process, a new appointment will not be made immediately. We have a strong board in place that can drive forward our exciting plans for 2024 and beyond. I personally will lead the board, continuing to build on the successful KBB Industry Conference and delivering exciting new benefits and an updated and improved website.”
Hanneck added: “I am grateful to all those who have supported the KBSA in recent years. The members, and those that have sponsored and contributed to the success of the KBB Industry Conference, which has become the must attend event in the KBB calendar.
“The KBSA has a highly competent and professional head office team in place and has huge potential to extend its reach even further. I wish everyone involved all the very best for the future.”
KBSA retail and corporate membership director Malcolm Scott added: “On behalf of the team at the KBSA, I would like to thank Uwe for his positive influence – not just within the KBSA, but the wider KBB community.”