THREE new people have joined the the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) this month. 

Graeme Jack and Glen Nimmo have been appointed as board members and Richard Hampton has become the new International Trade Development Director.

Graeme and Glen both started in their roles as board members this month. These are ministerial appointments, made by Defra Ministers, with the approval of ministers in the Scottish Government, Welsh Government, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland.

With more than 30 years experience in the agri-food sector, Graeme has previously worked as communications director for Müller UK & Ireland.

Glen's background includes working in a multi-site integrated pork processing business, covering slaughter, primal processing and retail packing. Glen will also have the responsibility of being pork sector council chair for three years.  

Nicholas Saphir, AHDB Chair, said: “I am delighted with the appointment of Glen and Graeme whose combined industry experience will add further value to our skill-based Board.

"Their experience as business leaders will help us to continue delivering key services and value for money for our levy payers.”

Richard will take on his role as International Trade Development Director from June 3. He has substantial experience in developing and transforming businesses, working with fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and drink, retail and agriculture sector stakeholders.

Richard, who has also held many senior positions including managing director of the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-Operative (Omsco), has extensive international experience in foreign markets and negotiating export agreements, including export market development initiatives in both dairy and red meat.

AHDB chief executive Graham Wilkinson said: “I am delighted to announce that Richard Hampton will be joining AHDB. His vast experience on the global stage will be a huge asset in ensuring that AHDB continues to deliver for its levy payers, so more consumers around the world are enjoying British red meat and dairy.

“Our levy payers have told us how much they value our work on international trade development and that they want to see us do more in this field.

"Richard’s appointment, coupled with AHDB’s long established record of working with industry and government to maximise global trade opportunities, will help us continue to ensure our levy payers' products flourish in markets the world over.”