Michael Weedon, Deputy ceo and communications director of the British Independent Retailers Association is leaving bira at the end of June 2016.
He has delivered many benefits to the association over three decades with multiple skills in writing, management, publishing, IT, research, public relations, political lobbying and media coverage.

The change is one part of a realignment of the group with a combined headquarters in Birmingham, a streamlined board and a simplified structure to adapt to the pressures that publishing, retail and the association have faced in recent years as they continue to undergo profound structural change.

Commenting on the departure bira group ceo Alan Hawkins paid tribute to Mr Weedon's unfailing work ethic and on behalf of the Board of Management and the membership at large wished him well for the future as well as thanking him for his significant contribution to the group's development. It was, he said: "A parting marked by mutual regard and mutual regret."