CEO of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Graham Wilkinson, will leave his role at the end of 2025.
Wilkinson will depart AHDB to take on the role of group agriculture director at pork producer Sofina Foods.
The news comes as AHDB announced the appointment of its new chair Emily Norton, who was selected for the role by Defra Ministers.
Wilkinson commented: “I am extremely proud of the team and what we have achieved together on behalf of levy payers. The organisation is energised with a new vision and strategy that is laser focused on delivering value.
“Since joining AHDB, we have launched a groundbreaking Baselining project which will bring clarity to the role that our industry plays in benefiting the environment. We have also seen another very strong year for exports and have ramped up our marketing to promote red meat and dairy to the next generation.
“Our Cereals and Oilseeds research and development programme is also growing to provide ever-important independent evidence and insight for farmers. I’m proud of what we have achieved in promoting and protecting the reputation of our industry and championing levy payers.
“Emily Norton will have my full support over the coming months in her new role as chair of AHDB and I remain fully committed until I leave towards the end of the year. For now, it’s business as usual. My leadership team and I will continue to deliver the ambitious plans that we have set out for levy payers.”
“AHDB will continue the momentum that it has built whilst a successor is sought.”
Nicholas Saphir, AHDB
Outgoing AHDB chair Nicholas Saphir said: “Whilst the board and I are naturally disappointed that Graham will be leaving AHDB, it is clear the organisation is well placed to continue delivering real benefit for levy payers.
“Graham has driven significant and beneficial progress within AHDB, helping to deliver for its levy payers at a time of significant change for our industry. With the arrival of Emily Norton as the new chair, and a strong leadership team in place, AHDB will continue the momentum that it has built whilst a successor is sought.”
A spokesperson for the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) stated: “Today’s announcement has come as a shock to all at AIMS. During Graham’s short tenure we found him to be highly approachable and willing to take on board our processor levy payers views.
“AHDB functions best when it has a CEO that truly leads. The quality of the work and support given to AIMS over the last couple of years has demonstrated to us what a well-motivated team Graham has built, and we thank him for his hard work and we wish him the very best of luck for his next challenge.”
