The Agriculture and Horticulture Growth Board (AHDB) has introduced the appointment of Graham Wilkinson as its new chief government officer.
AHDB stated that Graham brings a wealth of expertise and a confirmed monitor report of success from his time at Arla Meals as International Vice President, Agriculture. Throughout his time at Arla working in each International and UK roles, he has supported over 8,500 cooperative farmer house owners and managed the supply of economic milk ideas on farm.
Together with his expertise and information of the provision chain, Graham created an European Agriculture Perform inside Arla, spanning seven markets. He has additionally labored within the retailer-side at Tesco PLC, the place he strengthened the sustainability of agriculture provide chains in its dairy, beef, pork and poultry sectors.
Having labored all through the provision chain for his entire profession, agriculture has all the time been a part of Graham’s life, working along with his grandparents and fogeys on the household farm within the north east of England. AHDB stated that he’s “a passionate chief and powerful advocate of British Meals and Farming.”
Nicholas Saphir, chair of AHDB commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome Graham to AHDB along with his ardour for farming, his spectacular management abilities and huge trade information.
“We imagine he’s the perfect candidate to steer AHDB into the subsequent thrilling part of our progress, placing levy payers on the coronary heart of our work and maximising the impression of the work we do. Thanks to Arla for supporting a clean transition.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Graham Wilkinson stated: “I’m excited to affix AHDB, an organisation that I’ve a deep appreciation for and large respect for its improbable workforce.
“My ardour is working with farmers, for farmers and with my expertise, I see this as a fantastic alternative to drive higher impression and success for all levy payers to assist create a world class meals and farming trade.”
Graham Wilkinson is ready to depart Arla within the New Yr, with the precise timing to be agreed between Arla and AHDB within the coming weeks. He replaces Tim Rycroft, who leaves AHDB in December 2023 after almost two and a half years.
Bringing a farming background to the function
The Affiliation of Impartial Meat Suppliers (AIMS) welcomed AHDB’s announcement. A spokesperson for AIMS, Tony Goodger, stated: “After a few years of CEOs not coming from a farming background we welcome the announcement that Graham Wilkinson, at present world vice chairman – agriculture at Arla Meals, is to change into the brand new CEO at AHDB.
“It has been our lengthy held view that the CEO wanted to be somebody of trade stature and who has expertise of each the manufacturing and processing facet of farming.”
He continued: “AHDB has appeared to have been in a state of flux during the last couple of years and we belief that Graham will get it again onto the entrance foot when it comes to championing the levy payer. He comes into the organisation at a crucial time with the Farming Minister about to determine on whether or not the levy is elevated, one thing which we urge him to do rapidly because the longer he takes to determine the much less planning time our members have for the subsequent monetary yr.
“Studying numerous media tales about Graham’s work with Arla, particularly in relation to bull calves and the meat provide chain we really feel certain that he’s individual whom we are able to work nicely work and sit up for assembly with him on the earliest alternative.”
Earlier / Subsequent posts…
Business responds to Chancellor’s 2023 Autumn Assertion
Pilgrim’s UK reduces GHG emissions as a part of web zero challenge
