Farming assurance scheme Red Tractor has appointed Paul McLaughlin as chief executive, following the announcement of Jim Moseley’s retirement.

McLaughlin will take up the role on 5th May and join Red Tractor’s board of directors, working alongside outgoing CEO Jim Moseley before Moseley retires at the end of May.

McLaughlin’s career started in the food industry with roles at Mars and The Coca-Cola Company before he was appointed inaugural chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink.

He has worked as managing director of fresh produce business Scotty Brand, and has held leadership roles at the Building Engineering Services Association and the Rail Safety & Standards Board.

His appointment follows an open recruitment process and was ratified by Red Tractor’s board of directors in mid-March 2026, with McLaughlin set to join Red Tractor at a “pivotal time” for the organisation. NFU deputy president Paul Tompkins has also joined the Red Tractor board of directors following the recent NFU elections, replacing David Exwood.

Alistair Macintosh, chair of Red Tractor commented: “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. I very much look forward to welcoming him to the Red Tractor team.”

McLaughlin stated: “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.

“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.”