After an extensive search the Automatic Vending Association (AVA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Jonathan Hilder as its new Chief Executive Officer. Jonathan will take up the role on 1 December 2009 and replaces Janette Gledhill, who left the AVA at the end of June after 16 years service.
Jonathan brings to the AVA over 20 years career commercial experience, of which a significant proportion has been involved directly in the finance, leasing and vending markets. As a result, he has a sound industry expertise and knowledge.
His first contact with the vending industry came as an industry specialist with Anglo Leasing, and subsequently with Schroder Leasing and Siemens Financial Services, where he managed sales teams that were responsible for funding in excess of £200m of machines into the vending sector over a number of years. More recently as consultant to a number of vending companies, he has specialised in working with small to medium sized businesses and large food brands, advising and mentoring on business development and the introduction of new technology into the vending market.
Always an active supporter of the AVA, Jonathan sat on the South East Region committee for 10 years, and has been a regular contributor to the vending trade magazines.
Andy Porter, the AVA Chairman, comments, “Earlier this year the Board undertook a thorough review of the Association’s strategy, which resulted in the identification of a small number of strategic priority areas for future focus. With effective execution of our plans, we believe the AVA will be even more effective in representing and promoting the interests of the vending industry and all its members.” Andy continues, “During the interview process Jonathan not only impressively communicated his vision for the Association, but also demonstrated a unique passion, understanding and total commitment to the vending industry and to the people who work within it. The combination of these factors made him a natural choice and we are very much looking forward to him joining as our new CEO.”
Jonathan Hilder says, ‘It is not often that an opportunity presents itself that feels 100% right, but the role of AVA CEO is one of those. In 1987 my introduction to the vending industry started a real personal passion for the industry and the way it is perceived. I now really want to help the AVA to return to its pre-eminent position as the ‘The Voice of Vending’ and the champion of all those who work within our industry. Our market has changed and the AVA need to develop its service and offering to members in order to meet the challenges of today. I am looking forward to working with you all.”
