CIES, the Food Business Forum, today (22 June) announced the election of Roger Corbett, CEO of Woolworth Australia, as its new chairman. He will serve in this position for a two-year term.

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“CIES is a unique international organisation which will continue to provide an important place for a global dialogue. I am very proud that I have been given the privilege to lead this forum for the next two years,” Corbett said.


In accepting the position, Corbett highlighted the opportunities and challenges that modern retailers face.


“The challenges we are facing today are those of the whole of society. Questions of ageing population, health & nutrition, safety, working conditions are part of our everyday business and of our customers’ lives everywhere in the world. Retailers can and must more than ever contribute to society by working together on these issues with manufacturers and civil society. Another prerequisite for the future is the acceptance of common standards and protocols around the world. This will call for close collaboration.”


“I am looking forward to working with the board of directors, the seven CIES expert Committees and CIES members to advance this dialogue and to implement action on these and other projects during my tenure,” Corbett concluded.

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Corbett has worked in the retail sector for the past 40-years, having held senior positions at Grace Bros’ and David Jones Australia, before he was appointed to the Woolworth board in 1990 – taking on the role of CEPO in 1999.


CIES also welcomed the appointment of Kian Chew Tan, CEO of Singapore-based NTUC Fairprice, to the board. Before joining Fairprice, Tan held key appointments in the Singapore Navy and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. He has also served in the Prime Minister’s Office as Principal Private Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister.