Greggs Foundation, the independent grant-making charity associated with Greggs plc, today announces the appointment of Joanna Dyson OBE as its new Chair with immediate effect, succeeding Andrew Davison OBE, who is stepping down after nearly 25 years as a trustee.
The Greggs Foundation aims to build stronger and healthier communities by addressing issues of poverty and inequality and ensuring food is at the heart of the communities in which Greggs plc operates. By receiving a share of profits from Greggs plc and donations from other partners, the Foundation is able to distribute more than £3 million a year to organisations across the UK. This includes the Foundation’s Breakfast Club programme, which provides pupils with a free breakfast in 670 primary schools nationally.
Joanna, whose appointment results from a national recruitment campaign run by the Foundation, joins from FareShare where she was, until recently, Head of Food. Previously, she worked at a number of major food retailers, holding experienced senior level roles in buying, supply chain and logistics. In addition, she worked as a consultant to industry and as an advisor to the Department of Health, supporting their work in promoting healthy eating and combating obesity. Joanna is also a Trustee and previous Chair of HENRY, a charity which enables healthy childhoods. Earlier this year Joanna was awarded an OBE for services to charitable food distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, in recognition of the role that she and FareShare played throughout that period.
Joanna takes over from Andrew Davison OBE, who has made significant contributions in his time as the Chair of the Foundation. Since first being appointed as a trustee in February 1997, Andrew has seen the Foundation grow from making small grants to local community groups to distributing more than £3 million each year to charitable organisations and supporting a national programme of breakfast clubs in 670 schools across the UK.
Joanna Dyson OBE, commented:
“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as Chair of the Foundation. It is a priviledge to be given the opportunity to be part of this fantastic organisation that makes such a difference to so many individuals and local communities. I look forward to working with the Foundation team and the Board of Trustees and building on the tremendous legacy that Andrew Davison leaves as he retires after many years’ service as Chair.”
Andrew Davison OBE, Chair of the Greggs Foundation, said:
“The Greggs Foundation is the most amazing organisation, which it has been a real priviledge to service for almost 25 years. It gives me enormous pleasure to welcome Joanna as its new Chair and to wish her every success, as she leads the Foundation into the next phase of its growth. On behalf of everyone who benefits from the work of the Foundation, I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to my fellow trustees, who bring great wisdom, knowledge and skill to our discussions, to our wonderful Foundation team for your incredible dedication and enthusiasm, and to everyone in Greggs and our partner organisations for your fantastic support. Together you enable the Greggs Foundation to make a significant difference to those individuals and local communities that need it most.”
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Roshini Bains
Editor, International Bakery
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