THE Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA) has confirmed the appointment of Eddie Lynagh, area manager for Booker, as senior vice-president.

Lynagh's appointment means that he will become just the second individual to hold the prestigious office of SWA president for a second term when he takes over from current incumbent Asim Sarwar next summer.

Sarwar, managing director of United Wholesale (Scotland), confirmed this key two-year appointment which Lynagh will assume following the Edinburgh-based trade association's annual conference at Crieff Hydro (12-14 June 2015). He was unanimously elected to the role at the recent SWA Council meeting.

"This is an important appointment for the SWA and I am absolutely delighted that Eddie has agreed to accept it," said Sarwar. "His experience and enthusiasm will bring fresh ideas and impetus to the Association and I look forward to working with him in the coming months."

Lynagh, based at Booker's Shawfield depot in Glasgow, was previously SWA president from 2002-04. Prior to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, he assumed responsibility for co-ordinating Booker's customer requirements for the Games. During this time, Lynagh also attended meetings and briefings at the SWA, feeding back all relevant information for the benefit of other members and their customers across Scotland.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the SWA again and give the issues that directly affect the Scottish wholesale industry a strong and decisive voice," said Lynagh. "Having been involved with the Association for many years, I am very aware of the challenges that we face as an industry and am keen to start making a difference.

"With the recent changes in the political landscape, this is a great time to start building new relationships to influence key decision-makers. I would like to thank Asim Sarwar for all of his hard work and look forward to working with him, our executive director Kate Salmon and the Council members to deliver our goals."

Voicing his support for the appointment, Charles Wilson, Booker Group chief executive, said: "Booker is delighted to be supporting the SWA with the appointment of Eddie in what is going to be such an important year. There are many challenges facing the industry and I am confident that Eddie and the team will provide a strong voice for Scottish wholesale."

Ruth Sutherland, director of Sutherland Brothers of Wick, has also recently joined the SWA Council, replacing Tom Maclennan, the company's former sales director who has now left the wholesale industry.