Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has appointed four non-executive directors, confirmed by the Welsh Government following a recruitment campaign.
The appointments of Darren Wiliams, Wyn Owen, Jon Tanner and Sophie Nixon were confirmed by the Welsh Government and will be effective from 1st April 2026. The individuals will join the red meat levy board as non-executive directors, working alongside current HCC board members under the leadership of Catherine Smith.
This comes as HCC published its strategic plan, ‘Red Meat Industry: Delivering Value for Wales’, which sets out the levy board’s priorities for the years ahead.
Announcing the new members to the HCC board, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS said: “I am delighted to welcome Darren Williams, Jon Tanner, Sophie Nixon and Wyn Owen to the board of Hybu Cig Cymru. Their combined expertise will be invaluable in supporting HCC’s mission to strengthen the Welsh red meat sector.
“The board will play a vital role in offering strategic guidance and constructive challenge to the executive team, particularly on issues such as long-term planning, governance and marketing, while maintaining clear and direct engagement with levy payers. Their collective strengths in supply chain efficiency, sustainability, marketing, governance and levy payer engagement will be critical in delivering the ambitions set out in the HCC Vision 2030. I wish them every success as they begin their tenure.”
HCC chair Catherine Smith stated: “I look forward to welcoming Darren, Wyn, Jon and Sophie to the HCC Board. Their varied experiences and industry knowledge are extremely relevant to the three priorities outlined in our recently announced strategic action plan - ‘Red Meat Industry Vision: Delivering Value for Wales’. Their contributions will be invaluable as we work with the team at HCC to deliver on our vision for a competitive, profitable, efficient and sustainable red meat industry in Wales.”
About the appointments
Darren Williams
Darren Williams is a mixed livestock tenant farmer based in Brecon, Powys. He is focused on developing a more sustainable farming system and represents south Wales producers on the Tesco Sustainable Lamb Group committee. He has also held several industry and governance roles within Welsh agriculture, including serving as a board member of the Farmers’ Union of Wales.
Williams contributed to the Sustainable Farming Scheme Roundtable as an independent farmer, participated on the carbon sequestration panel and has been Cattle Foreman for the Royal Welsh Show for more than 20 years.
Wyn Owen
Owen is a managing partner of his family farm in mid Wales and freelance consultant. He has contributed over two decades to the delivery of many Farming Connect projects, most notably Agrisgôp, and is an associate lecturer at Aberystwyth and Wrexham Universities.
Wyn also has experience as chair of various societies and governing bodies, and as board member of Nuffield International Scholarships and Governors Wales. He is currently a Trustee of the Farming Community Network.
Jon Tanner
Jon Tanner has worked in the farming sector, particularly with livestock, for 40 years. He has acted as chair, director and CEO of industry bodies and his experience spans farming in Wales and livestock research around the world to leadership of levy-based, farming and forestry bodies in New Zealand.
With a background in agricultural science, he has directed research on how livestock help farmers adapt to climate change and brings experience of overcoming international trade barriers, free trade agreements and building commercial relations.
Sophie Nixon
Sophie Nixon is a category manager with a career rooted in the UK agri-food sector. She began her journey in the fresh produce industry and since 2017 has worked in marketing and category roles across both the poultry and red meat supply chains, developing strong insight into consumer behaviour, market dynamics and the complexities of food production.
Sophie also has experience in both domestic and international markets, including work in market research and insight that broadened her perspective on global trade and the evolving opportunities and challenges facing Welsh agriculture. She is a former NFU ambassador and Agri Academy member.
