The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has confirmed that Graham Wilkinson will step down from his role as CEO to join Sofina Foods as group agriculture director.
Wilkinson joined AHDB in March 2024, after working as vice president of Arla Foods’ agriculture division. He will leave his post towards the end of 2025 to join pork producer Sofina Foods.
Speaking about his departure, Wilkinson commented: “I am extremely proud of the team and what we have achieved together on behalf of levy payers. The organisation is energised with a new vision and strategy that is laser focused on delivering value.
“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. I’m proud of what we have achieved in promoting and protecting the reputation of our industry and championing levy payers.
“Emily Norton will have my full support over the coming months in her new role as chair of AHDB and I remain fully committed until I leave towards the end of the year. For now, it’s business as usual. My leadership team and I will continue to deliver the ambitious plans that we have set out for levy payers.”
“Graham has driven significant and beneficial progress within AHDB.”
Outgoing AHDB chair Nicholas Saphir said: “Whilst the board and I are naturally disappointed that Graham will be leaving AHDB, it is clear the organisation is well placed to continue delivering real benefit for levy payers.
“Graham has driven significant and beneficial progress within AHDB, helping to deliver for its levy payers at a time of significant change for our industry. 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 whilst a successor is sought.”
A spokesperson from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) stated: “Today’s announcement has come as a shock to all at AIMS. 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 last couple of years has demonstrated to us what a well-motivated team Graham has built, and we thank him for his hard work and we wish him the very best of luck for his next challenge.”
