Phil Slinger has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Garden Centre Association (GCA). His first public appearance in the role is at the body's January annual conference. 

Phil, who joins the GCA on January 11, 2012, replaces Gillie Westwood who is retiring at the end of the December.

GCA Chairman, Dennis Espley, said: "Gillie has had 13 successful years at the GCA's helm and we're indebted to her for her hard work. Phil will work with Gillie for a three week handover period , which will include the 2012 GCA conference at the Crowne Plaza Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire from January 23 until 25.