# Former Swiscot Group CEO Vikas Shah Elected Chair of GS1 UK at 50th AGM

> Vikas Shah, former CEO of Swiscot Group, was elected chair of GS1 UK at its 50th annual general meeting, succeeding Chris Tyas.

- Published: 2026-11-05T08:23:45+00:00
- Section: Leadership
- Author: News Desk
- URL: https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-11-05/gs1-uk-vikas-shah-chair
- Source: [Retail Technology Innovation Hub](https://retailtechinnovationhub.com/home/2026/11/5/former-swiscot-group-ceo-vikas-shah-takes-on-chair-role-at-qr-codes-specialist-gs1-uk)

## Key takeaways

- Vikas Shah was elected chair of GS1 UK by members at the organisation's 50th annual general meeting on 3 November.
- Shah succeeds Chris Tyas, who steps down after eight years as chair and more than 22 years of involvement with GS1 in the UK and globally.
- Shah is the founder and former CEO of Swiscot Group, a textile business with clients across retail and the NHS.

Vikas Shah, founder and former CEO of Swiscot Group, was elected chair of GS1 UK by members at the organisation's 50th annual general meeting on 3 November. He succeeds Chris Tyas, who steps down after eight years as chair and more than 22 years of involvement with GS1 at UK and global level. [Retail Technology Innovation Hub](https://retailtechinnovationhub.com/home/2026/11/5/former-swiscot-group-ceo-vikas-shah-takes-on-chair-role-at-qr-codes-specialist-gs1-uk) reported the election.

## Shah's Background and the Chair Transition

Shah's experience spans business, public service, governance, technology and academia, according to the announcement. He founded Swiscot Group, a textile business with clients across retail and the NHS, and has worked with GS1 standards in that capacity.

Tyas leaves the chair after eight years in the post and more than two decades of involvement with GS1 in the UK and internationally. Shah takes over as GS1 UK prepares for the next phase of its strategy.

Anne Godfrey, chief executive of GS1 UK, said Shah brings "entrepreneurial experience, strong governance credentials and a practical understanding of how standards are used by businesses." She added that his perspective and experience will help the organisation support members and strengthen its role as a partner to industry and government.

Shah said: "I am honoured to have been elected chair of GS1 UK at an important moment for industry." He said the opportunities and challenges facing organisations increasingly come back to data, and that success in transparency, traceability, sustainability, digital trade or artificial intelligence depends on identifying, capturing and sharing trusted information consistently.

"For more than 50 years, GS1 standards have provided the common language that helps businesses do exactly that," Shah said. "They are not an obstacle to progress. They are what make progress possible."

He said GS1 UK has an increasingly important role as every sector becomes more digital, and that he looks forward to working with members, partners and colleagues as the organisation begins its next chapter.

## Industry Changes Behind the Strategy Shift

GS1 UK said the strategy phase comes amid significant change across industry, including the transition to QR codes powered by GS1, the emergence of digital product passports, increasingly connected supply chains and the growing role of artificial intelligence. The organisation's website is at [gs1uk.org](https://www.gs1uk.org).

## Companies in this story

- GS1 UK · website: https://www.gs1uk.org

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