Patrick Sewell, managing director of Top 50 Indie Sewell on the go, has been appointed deputy chairman of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).

At the same time Paul Hagon, group strategy and development director of Palmer and Harvey, has taken over as ACS chairman.

The duo replace former Forecourt Trader of the Year award winner Jonathan James and Neil Turton, who has been chairman and deputy chairman since November 2011.

Sewell, whose company has 12 fuel and convenience stores in the north east, said: “I’m honoured to be appointed as vice chair of the ACS board.  ACS makes a huge positive contribution to thousands of independent businesses like mine, and I will continue to bring a local, family business angle to the conversations, working with Paul, James and the team.”

Hagon said: “I would like to thank Jonathan James and Neil Turton for their unwavering commitment to ACS over the last three years. Under their leadership, ACS has become even more relevant and respected in Government and the industry through initiatives like the Local Shop Report and Voice of Local Shops survey, ACS is engaging with more retailers, and has seen a continued growth in the number of stores we represent.

“I am excited about taking on the chairmanship of ACS and working with the executive team to continue the great work that the organisation does in the core areas of lobbying, advice and networking to bring the convenience sector together under a common cause.”

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul and Patrick to their respective positions on the ACS management board. Their experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow and offer more value to the sector.”

David Roberts, director of estates services at the Co-operative, remains deputy vice chairman.