AHDB chief Executive Officer Tim Rycroft is to step down at the end of the year, after two years in the role.
Mr Rycroft, who took up the position in August 2021, replacing Jane King, said he has decided December 2023 will be the right time to leave. His tenure coincided with a period of significant change for the levy body, as the levy was ended for two sectors, and the remaining four sectors have put new strategies in place, following the Shape the Future vote.
“This was a hard decision, but it is rooted in my confidence in AHDB’s future,” Mr Rycroft said. “Thanks to great work from the whole team, AHDB has navigated a period of significant change and is now back where it needs to be: facing into the future and clear about how best to serve levy payers and the wider agricultural sector. With my mission now nearly accomplished, the end of 2023 is the right time for me to move on.”
AHDB chair Nicholas Saphir said: “Tim has been instrumental in delivering the Board’s programme to refocus the organisation in terms of levy payer value and engagement. He has led the organisation through significant milestones, including the industry’s largest consultation, ‘Shape the Future’, and developing a management team ready to support levy payers in dealing with the challenges that lie ahead.
“Throughout his leadership, Tim has demonstrated a deep commitment to delivering for all levy payers and has embedded a culture that fosters collaboration. The Board is very grateful to Tim for his role in further developing a value based and levy payer engaged organisation.
“The support AHDB provides through our reputation work with consumers, including the ‘We Eat Balanced’ campaign and education programmes, developing and maintaining access in regard to promoting exports and practical tools to improve sustainable productivity are all based on our independent evidence and analysis. We confidently look forward to further supporting our levy payers as the food and farming industry faces into a challenging period of transition.”
The process for finding a successor to Mr Rycroft will begin shortly.