Graham Wilkinson to step down as AHDB chief executive

AHDB has confirmed that chief executive Graham Wilkinson will step down from his position towards the end of the year.

Mr Wilkinson is set to join food processor Sofina Foods as group agriculture director.

The announcement comes just a day after Defra appointed Emily Norton as new AHDB chairman, starting 1 June.

See also: Emily Norton named new chairman of AHDB

However, Farmers Weekly understands the two announcements are unrelated.

Mr Wilkinson said it would be business as usual in the short term and that he is proud of what AHDB has achieved under his leadership, “championing levy payers” and “promoting and protecting” the reputation of the industry.

He added: “Since joining AHDB we have launched a groundbreaking baselining project which will bring clarity to the role that our industry plays in benefiting the environment.

“We have also seen another very strong year for exports and have ramped up our marketing to promote red meat and dairy to the next generation.

“Our cereals and oilseeds research and development programme is also growing to provide ever-important independent evidence and insight for farmers.”

He concluded: “Emily Norton will have my full support over the coming months in her new role as chair of AHDB and I will remain fully committed until I leave towards the end of the year.”

Outgoing AHDB chairman Nicholas Saphir said Mr Wilkinson had driven significant and beneficial progress within AHDB, and had helped to deliver for its levy payers at a time of significant change for the industry.

He added: “With the arrival of Emily Norton as the new chair, and a strong leadership team in place, AHDB will continue the momentum that it has built while a successor is sought.”

However, meat sector trade body the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (Aims) said the announcement had come as a shock.

Tony Goodger, Aims’ head of marketing and communications, said: “During Graham’s short tenure we found him to be highly approachable and willing to take on board our processor levy payers’ views.

“AHDB functions best when it has a CEO that truly leads.

“The quality of the work and support given to Aims over the past couple of years has demonstrated to us what a well-motivated team Graham has built, and we thank him for his hard work and wish him the very best of luck for his next challenge.”