Press Release: ABDO names Alistair Bridge as new Chief Executive

Alistair Bridge will take over from Tony Garrett as chief executive of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) on January 1, 2023.

ABDO President Daryl Newsome said, “I am delighted to announce that we have appointed Alistair Bridge to be our new Chief Executive. His appointment comes following a competitive interview process with a strong field of candidates. I am sure that Alistair will lead the Association with skill and determination.”

Alistair Bridge is currently Head of Strategy at ABDO. He joined the Association in 2020 and led the development of its new strategic plan. Alistair began his career as a solicitor before holding senior roles at the communications regulator Ofcom and serving as Executive Director of the Communications Consumer Panel, the statutory advocacy body for consumers. Immediately before joining ABDO, Alistair was Director of Strategy at the General Optical Council, the regulator for optical professions in the UK.

ABDO General Secretary Tony Garrett said, “I am sure that Alistair will do an excellent job and continue to grow and strengthen the Association as it moves forward. I look forward to working with Alistair in the months ahead to ensure a smooth and hopefully seamless transition.”

Commenting upon his appointment Alistair Bridge said, “It will be a great honour to succeed Tony and build on the Association’s achievements under his leadership. Our members play a vital role in providing high quality eye care to patients. In serving their interests I will be fortunate to be able to draw on the insight and experience of both the Board and my executive team colleagues. I also look forward to working closely with organisations across the optical sector for the benefit of members and the public.”

ENDS

1. ABDO’s purpose is to support and represent its members, to promote awareness of their roles, to enable their professional development and to advance the profession as a whole. ABDO represents dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians across the UK and overseas.
2. Media enquiries to achitty@abdo.org.uk, 07538 525476.
3. Image of Alistair Bridge attached.
4. Registered office Unit 2 Court Lodge Offices, Godmersham Park, Godmersham, Kent CT4 7DT
5. Alistair Bridge is currently Head of Strategy at ABDO. He joined the Association in 2020 and led the development of its new strategic plan. Alistair began his career as a solicitor before holding senior roles at the communications regulator Ofcom and serving as Executive Director of the Communications Consumer Panel, the statutory advocacy body for consumers. Immediately before joining ABDO, Alistair was Director of Strategy at the General Optical Council, the regulator for optical professions in the UK. In this role, he was a member of the senior management team and responsible for a range of operational and cross-organisation functions, including policy, research, communications, standards and governance.