Mark Haighton has been appointed as the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB) sector director for pork.
Haighton will take over from Angela Christison on 29th September, with Christison to continue to support the strategic planning process during her final couple of months in the role.
With more than 25 years’ experience in the pig sector, Haighton began his career as a livestock buyer at Geo Adams & Sons before moving to Tulip, Pilgrim’s UK and latterly Sofina Foods, gaining first-hand insight across the supply chain. He has also contributed to industry governance, serving 13 years on the Red Tractor Pig Sector Board and more than six years on the AHDB Pork Sector Council.
Commenting on his new role, Haighton said: “I am delighted to be joining AHDB as the new pork sector director. Having worked for some of the UK’s major integrated pork production businesses, I have been fortunate enough to gain a wide range of experience from farmer engagement and abattoir operations to strategic leadership and team development. I’m excited to work with levy payers and the AHDB team to deliver real value for money.
“I’d like to thank Angela for her dedication and leadership. She has been a fantastic advocate for our industry, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations she has laid.”
Glen Nimmo, chair of the Pork Sector Council, added: “I am thrilled that we have secured someone of Mark’s calibre to continue and extend the great work being done on behalf of levy payers.
“He brings a powerful combination of a deep understanding of AHDB’s mission and up-to-date senior industry experience of the challenges and opportunities facing producers and processors. I thoroughly look forward to working with him.”
Christison, who has been with AHDB since 2018, commented: “It has been an honour to serve levy payers and work alongside such a passionate team. The pork sector has shown real resilience through some difficult years, and I am proud of the progress we’ve made together.
“I leave knowing the sector is in excellent hands with Mark, whose knowledge and commitment will be a real asset to producers and processors alike.”
