Andrew Knowles, a well known figure in the pig sector, has been appointed CEO of Suffolk-based farming cooperative Fram Farmers.
Mr Knowles, who is currently pig marketing director of ForFarmers, responsible for its European pig strategy, will be joining Fram Farmers at the beginning of July.
He was previously AHDB Pork’s head of technical, knowledge transfer and communication teams, leaving in 2015 to join ForFarmers. He won the prestigious David Black Award in the same year. Previously, he worked farm consultant with arable businesses in East Anglia.
Fram Farmers’ chairman Andrew Read said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew Knowles to Fram Farmers. He brings a depth and breadth of agri-business knowledge to Fram Farmers and is well-positioned to serve members across all sectors of the industry.
“As we celebrate 60 years, and as one of the few true farmer-owned inputs, purchasing and crop marketing cooperatives to have reached this milestone, we are confident that Andrew will deliver further progress for our members. We are confident that his leadership qualities and strategic experience will help to further develop what we have achieved over the past 6 decades.”
Mr Knowles said, “I am looking forward to joining Fram Farmers, to work with the very dedicated and skilled team, passionate in serving its members and delivering outstanding value and benefits to their businesses through long-standing relationships with suppliers and partners.
“As Fram Farmers celebrates its 60th year, its members and UK agriculture face a period of unprecedented change, which will bring challenges and opportunities,” he added. “I am very excited and motivated by the prospect of working with the board, team and membership, and leading Fram Farmers in the next phase of its development and growth.”