Ex-Scotland Food & Drink boss becomes Red Tractor chief

Paul McLaughlin has been appointed chief executive of the UK’s largest food and farm assurance scheme, Red Tractor, at a pivotal moment for the organisation and the wider farming sector.

Mr McLaughlin will take up the role on 5 May, working alongside outgoing chief executive Jim Moseley before his retirement at the end of the month following nearly a decade leading the assurance scheme.

He brings extensive experience across food manufacturing, agriculture and assurance. His career began in the food industry with Mars and the Coca-Cola Company, where he worked across quality assurance and product development.

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He later became the inaugural chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink, helping unite producers, processors and retailers to strengthen the country’s food and drink sector.

He then served as managing director of fresh produce firm Scotty Brand, overseeing the supply of a wide range of products including potatoes, carrots, fruit and meat to major UK retailers.

Mr McLaughlin has also held senior roles in other sectors, including at the Building Engineering Services Association and most recently the Rail Safety and Standards Board, where he led the transformation of a major assurance scheme.

The appointment comes at a critical time for Red Tractor, which is reviewing its standards following widespread industry criticism, including concerns that farm inspections add cost, bureaucracy and duplicate checks required by other schemes.

GFC farmer backlash

This also follows the now-abandoned plans to introduce a voluntary environmental module known as the Greener Farms Commitment (GFC).

Mr McLaughlin will oversee the organisation’s financial performance and growth, and act as company secretary with responsibility for corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

The role also involves building strong relationships across farming, the wider supply chain, government and the media.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr McLaughlin talked up the central role of farmers and growers in the UK food system.

He said: “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.”

He added that restoring pride and trust in the scheme would be a key priority.

“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.”

Cross-sector experience

Red Tractor chairman Alistair Mackintosh welcomed the appointment, highlighting Mr McLaughlin’s cross-sector experience and leadership approach.

He 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.”