National Beef Association head quits

National Beef Association (NBA) director Kim-Marie Haywood has resigned, it has emerged.

An NBA spokesman for the association said Miss Haywood had decided to leave her role within the organisation to “seek new opportunities elsewhere”.

Miss Haywood began working for the NBA in July 2004 as policy advisor, before being promoted to the role of National Director in July 2007.

However, she was suspended from her duties on full pay at the end of October 2011 shortly after an interim board, given the title of Review Committee, was installed to review the workings of the NBA.

Miss Haywood said: “I was completely dedicated to and worked hard for the association over a successful seven-year period and was shocked by the decision, which was made soon after the AGM on 20 October, especially when there was such an important job to do with the restructuring of the organisation.

“However, given the shift in circumstances, I feel it is better to move on from the NBA. I wish the association well in the future. It is an ambitious organisation with the potential to be influential at many levels and I hope it succeeds in securing its many aims.”

Hamish McBean, NBA chairman, said: “Kim has served the NBA for a great many years, during which a huge amount has been achieved and we have grown from strength to strength.

“I am sure I speak for the whole organisation in thanking Kim for her hard work and I too wish her every success in the future.”

The NBA is continuing to review its management and organisational structures and will present its conclusions to members early this year.