AHDB has announced Arla global vice-president Graham Wilkinson as its new chief executive.
Mr Wilkinson is set to leave Arla in the New Year, with the exact timing to be agreed between Arla and AHDB in the coming weeks.
He replaces Tim Rycroft, who leaves AHDB in December 2023 after nearly two and a half years.
AHDB
AHDB highlighted Mr Wilkinson's experience and knowledge of the supply chain both in the UK and globally from his career at Arla.
He has also worked in the retailer-side at Tesco.
Mr Wilkinson has worked throughout the supply chain for his whole career, also working with his grandparents and parents on the family farm in the north east of England.
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Nicholas Saphir, chair of AHDB said: "We are thrilled to welcome Graham to AHDB with his passion for farming, his impressive leadership skills and vast industry knowledge.
"We believe he is the ideal candidate to lead AHDB into the next exciting phase of our growth, putting levypayers at the heart of our work and maximising the impact of the work we do. Thank you to Arla for supporting a smooth transition."
Appointment
Mr Wilkinson said: "I am excited to join AHDB, an organisation that I have a deep appreciation for and huge respect for its fantastic team.
"My passion is working with farmers, for farmers and with my experience, I see this as a great opportunity to drive greater impact and success for all levy payers to help create a world class food and farming industry."
Welcome
Tony Goodger, spokesperson for the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, welcomed Mr Wilkinson's appointment 'after many years of chief executives not coming from a farming background'.
"It has been our long held view that the chief executive needed to be someone of industry stature and who has experience of both the production and processing side of farming," he said.
"AHDB has appeared to have been in a state of flux over the last couple of years and we trust that Graham will get it back onto the front foot in terms of championing the levy payer. He comes into the organisation at a critical time with the Farming Minister about to decide on whether the levy is increased, something which we urge him to do quickly as the longer he takes to decide the less planning time our members have for the next financial year.
"Reading various media stories about Graham's work with Arla, especially in relation to bull calves and the beef supply chain we feel sure that he is person whom we can work well work and look forward to meeting with him at the earliest opportunity"
