The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) has appointed a new board of directors, bringing together representatives from across the vending and automated retail sector.

The board includes professionals from operations, technology, finance, food and beverages, and industry representation, with Chris Skipper of NVCS named as chair.

Skipper has worked in vending since 1984, when he entered the sector through a family business. He later joined NVCS, becoming a director in 2006, and has been a long-standing member of the AVA Technical Committee, where he has supported work around industry standards and training for technical staff.

Tom Williams, managing director of Coinadrink, will serve as treasurer. Williams rejoined the family vending business in 2015 after a decade in retail management and became managing director in 2022. He is also a member of the AVA Environmental Committee.

The board also includes Natalie Baker, managing director at Westways Vending, and Richard Brinsley, managing director of Westomatic Vending Services. Baker has spent 20 years with the family business and was named Woman of the Year – Operator and Family Business of the Year at the 2026 Vendies. Brinsley brings 57 years of vending industry experience.

Michelle Hefferon, general manager of NIVO at Montagu Group, joins the board with more than 30 years of experience across vending and the drinks industry, including operations, supply chains, payment systems and sustainability. Thomas Ward, managing director of Excel Vending, will also represent operators on the board.

Ward, a chartered accountant, joined Excel Vending’s senior management team in 2016 and has worked across finance, logistics, IT project management and procurement before becoming managing director.

Food and beverage supply-side representation will come from Carl Hunter, account controller for automated retail and new business in Kepak’s foods division, and Anna Wilkins, national account manager at Barry Callebaut Beverages. Hunter has spent 13 years working in automated retail, following earlier roles at Coca-Cola, while Wilkins has experience building commercial relationships across the UK vending sector.

Jason Vincent, chief technology and product officer and co-founder of Boost Inc, also joins the board. His work has focused on vending technology, coffee, fridges and micro-markets.

David Llewellyn, chief executive of the AVA, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new and existing board members, each of whom brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for the vending and automated retail industry. This board represents the full breadth of our membership and I am confident they will play a pivotal role in helping the AVA deliver for its members.”

Chris Skipper, incoming chair of the AVA board, added: “It is a privilege to be taking on the role of chair alongside such an experienced and passionate group of individuals. Between us, we bring decades of hands-on knowledge from every corner of the vending and automated retail industry, and that breadth is something I believe will be a real strength for the AVA and its members.”

Skipper said his focus would be on ensuring the association continues to champion industry standards, training and innovation.