BIRA marketing, member and publishing director leaves the British Independent Retailers Association after 15 years. 

BIRA CEO Alan Hawkins said of the news: “It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the board of directors announces Sarah Golden’s departure,” which was effective as of May 12.

In a statement issued by the association this week, Ms Golden said: “After a decade and a half with BIRA, time has come for me to pursue new challenges and spend more time with my son before he starts school. While I have a mix of emotions (and some really fond memories) as I move into this next chapter of my career, I look forward to keeping in touch with my good friends and colleagues and to the exciting challenges ahead of me. The decision did not come easily as I am extremely proud of all that BIRA staff, board and members have accomplished during the past fifteen years and hold in great regard the relationships I’ve built during my time as a director of BIRA.”

She added: “I want to give my deepest gratitude to all who have been so supportive of the association but especially of me personally over the years: staff, board members, and, of course, our partners and bira members. Without you, the association would not be as strong and vibrant as it is. I will watch with excitement and anticipation as you take BIRA through its next chapter.”
Mr Hawkins listed a number of Ms Golden’s achievements during her time with BIRA, including her marketing leadership in growing BIRA Direct from the first ever £1m month to £26m-plus turnover, delivering the major rebrand of BHF-BSSA Group to British Independent Retailers Association and the subsequent brand refresh, as well as directing the delivery of annual BIRA events and the organisations’’ presence at national exhibitions.

He said: “Since 2001, Sarah has played a key role in the development and success of the association, and while we will miss her and her infectious enthusiasm for BIRA, we wish her the best in her new endeavour. We want to thank her for the 15 years of dedicated service, which involved many significant accomplishments.”

The association said in an internal memo that Ms Golden “will be greatly missed by the staff, board, members and partners alike”, adding that any questions or concerns during the “transition period” should be directed to Alan Hawkins.