Vending

UK's AVA announces board members

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July 13, 2026

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The U.K.-based Automatic Vending Association has announced changes to its board of directors, naming Chris Skipper as the organization's new chair, according to its monthly newsletter.

Skipper, who was also reappointed as an operator representative, succeeds Stuart Coutts, who stepped down from the role. The AVA thanked Coutts for his leadership and also recognized departing Commodities Representative Adrian Pratt for his service to the association.

Professionally, Skipper serves as technical and operations director at NVCS Ltd., a U.K. vending operator.

The association also appointed two new board members: Anna Wilkins, account manager at Barry Callebaut Group, and Thomas Ward, managing director of Excel Vending Ltd. Wilkins will serve as a commodities representative, while Ward joins the board as an operator representative.

The appointments expand the AVA's leadership team as the organization continues to represent the interests of the U.K. vending and automated retail industry. The board includes representatives from both vending operators and supplier companies, providing oversight and guidance on industry initiatives and association activities.