David Frankish is to take over from Pam Alexander OBE as the new chair of the Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) in February, as she steps down after six years in the role
The CGMA team looks after and runs New Covent Garden Market. It was set-up by an act of parliament in 1961 and is accountable to Defra.
Frankish currently serves as the vice chair of grocery logistics provider NFT Distribution and is also chair of the Employment & Skills board at the CBI. He said: “While I’m sure the combination of a dynamic operational environment and an exciting redevelopment project carries with it the potential to be challenging, I feel I have the right experience and skillset to build on the robust progress made under the guidance of the outgoing chair, Pam Alexander.
“I very much look forward to meeting my new colleagues and stakeholders, and working with them to help deliver on all our strategic commitments.”
David Rutley MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Food and Animal Welfare added: “I welcome the appointment of David Frankish as the new chair of CGMA by the Secretary of State. David joins at an exciting and challenging time in the redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market. He brings with him the skills and experience needed to build on the much-valued work led by Pam Alexander and CGMA to help secure the future of the market, its traders and customers.”
Since becoming chair six years ago, Alexander led the £200m redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market, taking the project from planning to construction. She said, “After six years at CGMA I am sad but excited to hand on the redevelopment of the iconic New Covent Garden Market to David Frankish. I feel sure that his unparalleled experience in food industry logistics, business development and customer service will contribute renewed vigour and confidence to the whole team.”
