If approved, Vikas will succeed Chris Tyas OBE, who is stepping down as chair at this year’s AGM.
Vikas is an entrepreneur, investor, non-executive director and thought leader with significant experience across business, public service, governance, technology and academia. He is the founder and former CEO of Swiscot Group, a textile business with clients across retail and the NHS and is well versed in the use and application of GS1 standards.
He currently holds non-executive roles with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Institute of Directors. He is also chair of AI scale-up Rdentify and an honorary professor at Alliance Manchester Business School.
The nomination reflects Vikas’ experience as a business founder, board adviser, as well as his practical understanding of how GS1 standards help industry become more efficient, resilient and connected. Once appointed, Vikas will support GS1 UK as it develops its next three-year strategy and continues helping industry adapt to an increasingly digital and data-driven world.
Vikas said: “I am honoured to have been nominated as chair of GS1 UK, subject to approval by members at the AGM in November.
“What excites me about GS1 UK is that its work sits right at the heart of where industry is heading. Everything is becoming data, and every sector is having to think differently about how information flows through its products, services and systems.
“Retail, healthcare, construction, apparel, logistics and food are all being reshaped by the need for better information, greater transparency and more connected systems. In that world, standards are not an obstacle to progress. They are what make progress possible.
“They give organisations the common language and trusted foundations they need to innovate with confidence, operate more efficiently and build resilience for the future.
“As someone who has used and advocated for GS1 standards, I know how important that role is. Over the coming months, I am looking forward to getting to know GS1 UK’s members, colleagues and partners, and to learning more about how the organisation can continue supporting industry through its next phase.”
Chris Tyas OBE will remain chair of GS1 UK until the AGM on 3 November.