Kathleen Belton, Retail News’ legendary Editorial & Marketing Director, has retired after more than 30 years at the helm of Retail News, Ireland’s longest established grocery B2B magazine.
“Supporting and reporting on the grocery goings-on in Ireland for more than three decades has been a pleasure and a privilege,” said Kathleen. “Over that time, there’s been a world of change. Who would have thought back in the 1990s that a massive global recession would challenge us all? Who could have predicted the advent of the internet and the continued rise of social media as a legitimate (and sometimes not-so-legitimate) news source? And who could have foreseen the impact of a virus from rural China on how the entire world works and lives?
“Through it all, Retail News has been and continues to be an independent voice for the Irish grocery industry. To do that, we rely on the support of the industry, and I thank the many advertisers and supporters of Retail News, who have helped us to keep the lights on through bad times and good, and the many friends I have made in this wonderful industry. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.”
While Kathleen disappears into the sunny south-east, she wanted to assure regular readers that she is leaving Retail News in “the very capable hands of my editor of almost 30 years, John Walshe, and Sales Manager Brian Clarke, who will continue to fight the good fight for retailers”.
A genuine ‘one-off’ and a hugely loved and respected character in our industry, Kathleen will be greatly missed. The entire team at Retail News wish Kathleen many happy and healthy years in a well-earned retirement.
