AHDB announces new chief executive

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) chief operating officer Tim Rycroft has been appointed as the new chief Executive of AHDB.

He will take up his position at the Stoneleigh-based levy board on August 31, replacing Jane King, who steps down after six years in the role. During the intervening period the interim AHDB CEO will be Ken Boyns, AHDB's chief finance and operations officer.

During his time at the FDF, Mr Rycroft has been responsible for strategy and corporate affairs, as well as overseeing the federation’s policy on diet and health and on competitiveness. He is also a former Government Special Adviser.

AHDB Chair, Nicholas Saphir, said: “The Board is delighted to welcome Tim as the new CEO of AHDB. His experience, both in his previous commercial and FDF roles as well as his knowledge of the industry, makes him ideally equipped to lead the significant change that we have started to introduce to the organisation.

Mr Rycroft said: “It’s tremendously exciting to be asked to lead AHDB at this critical moment in its history. Nicholas Saphir and the team have set out a bold vision for change.

"Now this must be swiftly delivered so we can continue to play our vital role as a source of competitive advantage, underpinning a world class food and farming industry.”