Jane King to step down as CEO of AHDB

Jane King has announced she will step down next year as CEO of AHDB after six years in the role.

She will be stepping down no later than the end of September 2021, or before if a successor can be found sooner. Recruitment of a new CEO will begin immediately and there will be a handover period before Jane leaves to ensure a smooth transition.

Ms King, the former editor of Farmers Weekly, said she felt it was a good time to begin to hand the leadership baton over to someone fresh to deliver the next phase of AHDB’s development.

In the meantime, she will continue to work closely with the chair, Nicholas Saphir, the Board and the leadership team to continue to reform AHDB in line with the commitments made to improve levy-payer engagement and value for money, following the Government's response to the Request for Views on its role. 

She said: “It has been a great privilege to lead an incredible team at AHDB and to work with inspirational farmers, growers and partners to deliver our programmes and services. The commitment and dedication of AHDB colleagues has been amazing.

“It’s always difficult to craft a farewell message, but I have the comfort of knowing that together we have achieved a good deal and AHDB will go from strength to strength under fresh leadership."