The Australian National Retailers’ Association (ANRA) has rebranded as the Retail Council.

The name change was announced by CEO, Anna McPhee, at the organisation’s Retail Nation 2015 event at Seven at David Jones yesterday.

Inside Retail understands the name change was motivated in part by the organisation’s desire to distance itself, at least by name, from Australia’s other retail associations – namely the Australian Retailers Association and the National Retail Association.

McPhee said the Retail Council is driven to achieve sustainable growth of retail in Australia, reiterating its importance as a central component of economic expansion.

“I believe [the rebrand] will strengthen the organisation’s objective to advance retail in Australia,” said McPhee. “A strong retail sector reflects and sustains a strong economy.  This is important because as a top 10 contributor to GDP, and Australia’s largest private sector employer, retail is a key driver of economic growth.”

As part of its new configuration, Peter Birtles, MD and CEO of Super Retail Group, has been elected to the position of chair.

To mark its renaming, the Retail Council is hosting the Women in Retail Business and Leadership Seminar Series, which will run from July to November. The series is open to women in manager positions, leadership roles, or with leadership potential across the retail industry, in all capacities including operations, supply chain, technology, finance, HR, sales, and marketing.