ACS/PRA Forecourt, Power and Convenience Conference

Michael O’Loughlin is a well known and respected figure within the UK Forecourt sector. Having operated Applegreen networks in both Ireland & the UK and later with MFG he holds a detailed understanding of the sector and the challenges that lie ahead. After founding “360 Degrees Retail” in 2022 he now provides a wide scope of consultancy services to operators and suppliers alike, he also holds a number of varied board positions within the industry. In recent years he has become well known for chairing industry events at home and abroad while also writing regular columns for Euronews and more recently EdgeData Pro. 

Gordon has extensive experience in Downstream Oil working in several roles with BP. During his 30-year career Gordon managed sales teams, fuel card operations, strategic projects and was UK country manager for European Fleet Services.  Gordon left BP and started his own business specialising in payments and in 2014 joined the PRA as Commercial Manager. During this period, key successes were building the membership, improving digital services, and reaching an out of court settlement with the major credit and debit card issuers returning a significant sum back to PRA members. 

In 2022 Gordon was appointed Executive Director of the Petrol Retailers Association succeeding Brian Madderson. Gordon is a director of the Retail Motor Industries Federation (RMI) the UK's leading automotive trade body, representing franchised car and commercial vehicle dealers, independent garages, bodyshops, motorcycle dealers, petrol retailers, auction houses and cherished number plate dealers, who provide sales and services to motorists and businesses across the UK. 

The Car Wash Association was absorbed into the PRA as an affiliate and Gordon is also Executive Director for this trade body. The CWAs’ objective is to establish a level playing field in the industry ensuring all businesses operate on a safe and compliant manner. This includes eradicating the scourge of modern-day slavery and compliance with business and environmental laws. 

Away from work Gordon enjoys spending time with his family and watching and participating in sport. He is a keen Saracens fan and attempts to play golf.
 

Ilyas Munshi is the Commercial Director at EG On The Move (EG OTM), one of the UK’s leading independent petrol forecourt and convenience retail operators. As a seasoned senior executive with a deep understanding of both strategic and operational dynamics, Ilyas offers valuable insights into the challenges of energy transition, food service integration, convenience retail investment, and customer-centric innovation.

Ilyas joined Euro Garages in 2012, following two decades of senior leadership and IT roles across the travel, utility, and business support sectors. He has since played a key role in the remarkable growth journey of Euro Garages, from a modest UK based network to becoming a major global operator under EG Group. His contributions were instrumental in the company’s expansion across Europe, the United States, and Australia.

As part of the senior leadership team, Ilyas was pivotal in supporting the EG Group’s transformation into a global forecourt and convenience retail powerhouse. At its peak, the business operated over 6,600 sites across 10 international markets, partnered with more than 70 global brands, and employed over 65,000 colleagues.

In October 2024, Ilyas transitioned to focus on the UK market, taking up his current role at EG On The Move. The business currently operates approximately 150 sites nationwide and remains committed to investing and shaping the future of mobility by delivering innovative solutions across the fuel including EV, foodservice, grocery and merchandise retail channels.

Katie Secretan has over 20 years in commercial and trading experience, leading large teams to successfully transform businesses.  

Katie leads our business as Managing Director after joining our Wholesale business as Retail & Sales Director in January 2024 to bring strategic leadership and retail transformation to the independent retail and wholesale business for Coop.  

With a wide range of expertise across wholesale and franchise, including senior leadership roles at Post Office and Costa Coffee, Katie excels in shaping commercial strategies, driving sales growth and enhancing both retailer and corporate partner engagement. Her expertise in navigating complex B2B environments and delivering sustainable growth make her a valuable addition to the ACS Board.

Passionate about championing independent retailers, Katie looks forward to contributing her strategic vision to support the sector’s future success.

Sarah Kind is the VP of Customer Success and Support at EdgePetrol.
EdgePetrol was built with independent retailers frustrated with making decisions based on outdated or inaccurate data. Today, the platform helps retailers optimise fuel pricing - from single-site operators to the UK’s top 50 indies. The platform is also available to dealers through partnerships with major oil co’s.

Since joining EdgePetrol in 2018, Sarah has focused on ensuring retailers get the most value from the platform. Most recently, she has been leading the development of the new Fuel Finder module, designed to help retailers stay compliant with forthcoming legislation.

Chris joined ACS in October 2009 having graduated from York University with a degree in English and Linguistics. As Communications Director, Chris is responsible for all ACS external and internal communications, media relations and a growing research portfolio which includes the industry leading Local Shop Report.

Chris is an official spokesperson for ACS, appearing frequently on national and regional radio and television including BBC News, Sky News, BBC Breakfast and the Daily Politics show. 

Chris completed the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma in 2013 and the CIM Strategic Marketing Masterclass in 2017. 

John Garnett is a Director at VARS Technology and leading expert in forecourt security, loss prevention and debt recovery. John and the VARS Technology team have recovered millions in stolen fuel costs for forecourt operators, while VARS Technology’s in-house development team have built a market-leading ANPR system that prevents thousands more drive-offs before they can happen. In addition, VARS Technology provides facial recognition to protect against retail theft and parking enforcement to manage and monetise parking on-site.

John has advised several major forecourt chains on how to improve forecourt security and reduce their vulnerability to drive-offs. He has also spoken on the subject at leading industry events, as well as bringing wider attention to the issue in interviews with major media including The Telegraph, The Independent and Radio 4.