Anne Godfrey has officially taken over the reins at GS1 UK, the global data standards organisation.
In her new role as GS1 UK CEO, Ms Godfrey will lead the team responsible for supporting GS1 UK’s community of nearly 45,000 members and will help to shape its next three-year strategy.
Her appointment was announced earlier this year, whilst the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic has meant that the products and services that GS1 UK creates, from unique identifiers that ensure accurate traceability of products in the healthcare and retail supply chain, to services that facilitate the accurate transfer of product data, have never been more important.
Ms Godfrey said, ‘In these unprecedented times, it has never been more important for us to support businesses both large and small, and to inform and protect consumers. The effects of the Covid-19 crisis and the end of UK’s transition period after Brexit are ongoing, and it is vital that organisations like GS1 UK continue to provide continuity of business for our members. Our standards are global and facilitate not only cross-border trade, but also help to maintain trust and efficiency in the supply chain.
‘I could never have envisaged a virtual induction, meeting staff, members and stakeholders online. It has been an interesting experience, to say the least, but I look forward to the time when I meet our members face to face.’
Chris Tyas, chair of GS1 UK, commented, ‘Anne understands GS1 UK’s priorities, balancing commercial imperatives with the needs of our members, ultimately placing the informed, protected consumer at the heart of what we do. This combined with her experience in public health and environmental protection, and the industry partnerships she brokered at the CBI, make her an ideal fit for GS1 UK. With this wealth of knowledge, we are confident that Anne will strengthen GS1 UK’s resolve and purpose to support our members across all our key sectors, keeping patients, consumers and citizens safe and informed.
‘I look forward to seeing the developments that follow in this turbulent time, and how we can continue to provide trust through the accurate data our standards deliver. Anne has been on-boarding virtually at GS1 UK as a consequence of continuing restrictions and Government guidance.
‘The repercussions of the pandemic, and the uncertainty surrounding the end of the Brexit transition period will be key concerns Anne will address as part of her strategic approach in the coming months.’
Ms Godfrey continued, ‘It is exciting to be leading GS1 UK at a time when our trusted data standards will be so vital for British business. I look forward to working with our community to deliver tangible benefits for our members and their customers.’
