AHDB has appointed Helen Herniman, a chartered accountant, as its new chief executive and accounting officer.
She will take up the role from January 5, 2026, taking over from interim CEO, Janet Swadling, who will lead the process of a handover, before leaving AHDB in January.
Helen comes to the role with several years’ executive experience, leading organisations in a variety of sectors ‘through growth, turnaround and transformation’. Her career spans the public and private sectors, including the Law Society as Chief Finance Officer and, most recently, the Nursing and Midwifery Council where she was the Acting Chief Executive Officer.
She said: “I’m delighted to be joining an organisation that has a key role in an industry that produces safe, sustainable and nutritious food.
“My predecessors and the brilliant team at AHDB are making great progress in supporting and championing our world-class farmers and producers and there is plenty more to come.
“I look forward to working with our experts and the wider industry to continue our mission to unlock the success of British agriculture.”
AHDB chair Emily Norton said: “On behalf of the whole Board, I am delighted to be welcoming Helen as the Chief Executive Officer.
“Helen’s strategic insight, and belief that our greatest strength lies in our people, align deeply with the Board’s values and ambition for AHDB.
“She brings a proven track record of leadership, innovation and service delivery in the regulated and private sectors, experience that will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on our sector strategies and for our levy payers.”
The new CEO position is appointed by the AHDB board, led by the chair and supported by Defra.