Paul McLaughlin has been appointed chief executive of UK farming and food assurance scheme Red Tractor.
McLaughlin started his career in the food industry by working with Mars and The Coca-Cola Company, before becoming the inaugural chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink.
Following that, his role as managing director of fresh produce business Scotty Brand saw Paul overseeing the supply of a wide range of products including meat, potatoes, carrots and fruit to major grocery retailers. McLaughlin has also held leadership roles at the Building Engineering Services Association and most recently at the Rail Safety & Standards Board.
His appointment follows an open recruitment process and was ratified by Red Tractor’s board of directors in mid-March 2026, with McLaughlin set to join Red Tractor at a “pivotal time” for the organisation. He will take up the role on 5th May and join Red Tractor’s board of directors, which will enable him to work alongside outgoing Red Tractor CEO Jim Moseley before Moseley retires at the end of May.
“I want Red Tractor to be something that farmers can be genuinely proud of and that retailers and consumers trust completely.”
Paul McLaughlin, incoming Red Tractor CEO
Paul McLaughlin commented: “British farming is the backbone of our food system, and the farmers and growers who meet the Red Tractor standard deserve a scheme that works as hard for them as they work for us. I want Red Tractor to be something that farmers can be genuinely proud of and that retailers and consumers trust completely. I’ll be doing a lot of listening first, and then getting to work.”
Alistair Macintosh, chair of Red Tractor said: “Paul brings a unique blend of experience working within food, assurance and multistakeholder organisations. He really impressed the interview panel with his considered and strategic approach to leadership and demonstrated the dynamism needed to drive continued improvement at Red Tractor. I very much look forward to welcoming him to the Red Tractor team.”
Following the recent NFU elections, Paul Tompkins, NFU deputy president, has also joined the Red Tractor board of directors to represent the farming unions. He replaces outgoing director, David Exwood.
