Sarah Golden is first Marketing Director for bira

The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) began the third quarter of 2011 with the appointment of Marketing Director, Sarah Golden.

Sarah joins the current executive board as the sixth director in the newly created Marketing Director position from 1st September. Sarah will be responsible for bira’s marketing strategies across the whole group. She will be tasked with sustaining the reputation of the long-standing organisation, building awareness of the newly established bira name and supporting all areas of the group with marketing communications.

Shropshire-born Sarah has nearly 10 years experience working in the retail trade association, having worked her way up through the organisation to become the first female director appointed in the groups’ 112-year history. 

Sarah said: “I am thrilled to be joining the executive team at this exciting time in the evolution of the association. It’s been a demanding 18 months developing the new name and brand, but incredibly rewarding that it’s been well received by the members and is working in our favour with the national media.”

She continued: “I’m looking forward to working with the five directors in continuing to raise the profile of the organisation, embracing new media and engaging with lots more retailers, who we know we can help and support. We have huge potential for growth, and I’m up for the challenge.”

Chief Executive Office Alan Hawkins added: “This is a deserved appointment and part of the succession plan for the organisation as we work to prepare the board for the future, bringing in new talent and introducing younger members to the executive team. We expect Sarah to continue to challenge the existing board members in the best interests of developing and strengthening the bira brand, gaining greater recognition in the trade and adding more members as a result.”

The new British Independent Retailers Association corporate identity, overseen and developed by Sarah with Midlands-based Wyatt International, has reached the finals in the Cream Midlands Awards for design and creativity in marketing.