Pressure group the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has today announced KPMG‘s Head of Retail Helen Dickinson as its new Director General as it undergoes senior management changes.

Taking over from current Director General Stephen Robertson, Dickinson will be joined by Kingfisher Group CEO Ian Cheshire, who has been appointed Chairman, while current Chairman Rob Templeman will take on the role of Deputy Chairman to provide continuity.

Templeman will follow Lucy Neville-Rolfe, who will step down at the next board meeting, into the role of Deputy Chairman as the latter takes up a new post as President of EuroCommerce in Brussels.

Dickinson, who will formally take up her new role on January 1st 2013, has over 20 years‘ experience at KPMG and is also a founding member and Chair of the KPMG/Ipsos Retail Think Tank which discusses the overall retail sector on a quarterly basis.

Current Chairman Rob Templeman welcomed Dickinson, who has worked closely with the group in creating the Retail Sales Monitor, to her new role commenting: “Ian and I are delighted to welcome someone of Helen‘s calibre to lead the BRC in its next phase of development.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the sector to the role. Her extensive experience at the highest level will help us support members through these challenging times.

“On behalf of all the BRC‘s members, I would like to thank Stephen Robertson for leading the BRC so successfully over the last five years.”

Dickinson praised the group‘s support of retailers, particularly during difficult economic times, noting that the organisation “provides an important voice and leadership to the industry.”

Cheshire also brings a wealth of experience to his new role and has led Kingfisher Group through a turbulent period as its like-for-like sales have struggled over recent months as the home & DIY sector continues to falter.

Robertson praised Cheshire for his solid understanding of the industry, saying: “I am delighted that Ian has accepted this role. He has a rich understanding of retail and of the political process.

“The BRC will benefit hugely from having a serving retail Chief Executive of Ian‘s stature as its Chairman.

“My thanks to Rob who has been a diligent BRC Chairman and, to me personally, an inspiring and remarkable leader.

“We have achieved a great deal under Rob‘s wise guidance. I‘m very pleased his knowledge and expertise will not be lost to the BRC.

“Thank you, too, to Lucy who has served with distinction as our Deputy Chairman.”