Tyas, who worked for Nestlé for 36 years before retiring earlier this year, is a former vice-chairman of GS1 UK. Until recently, he was co-chair of the Consumer Goods Forum, an affiliation of senior managers within consumer goods manufacturers and retailers, helping to shape the organisation’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative.
Tyas replaces Jim Spittle, who has become chair of SSC: NHS Supply Chain.
GS1 UK credited him with being a leading figure in the development of technological advances in the retail process. He has led the cultivation of digital automation and blockchain, which he helped to implement for Nestlé’s Gerber range of food products.
ProductDNA
Tyas has joined GS1 UK six months after the company launched its data management service ProductDNA, with Nestlé and Unilever two of the first major manufacturers to sign up to it.
Created by the GS1 UK Retail Grocery Advisory Board, the service is designed to provide consistent information on products for companies operating at every stage of the supply chain.
“I am honoured to take this role in GS1 UK at such a pivotal time for the organisation,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of GS1 UK, Spittle said: “Chris joins at a crucial time for GS1 UK as we support both the digital transformation of our existing member base and the increasing number of start-ups new to the market with foundations of trusted data.”
In July, GS1 UK announced the appointment of Graham Biggart, director of commercial operations at Sainsbury’s, to its advisory board.