Former Farmers Weekly editor Jane King has been appointed the new chief executive of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
Ms King will take up her position at the Stoneleigh-based levy board on February 1, replacing Tom Taylor who left at the end of November 2014. BPEX director Mick Sloyan, who’s currently acting chief executive at the AHDB, will continue in that role until Ms King takes up her post
AHDB chairman Sir Peter Kendall said she had enormous knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for the industry and the board, and he was delighted to welcome her to the AHDB.Â
“Her communication skills and experience of both repositioning and leading a well-known agricultural service brand through a period of change means she will be able to lead AHDB through an important period as it works towards becoming a centre of excellence for the UK industry,” he added.
“I feel extremely privileged to be leading the AHDB through the next stage of its development,” Ms King said. “UK agriculture is at a turning point and I believe it has enormous potential. Â
“The AHDB is an organisation with phenomenal talent and resources supporting farmers, growers and the wider supply chain.  I’m really looking forward to driving AHDB forward with the team and the wider industry.”