AHDB has appointed Jonathan Eckley as its new director of International Trade Development.
Replacing Richard Hampton, he will take up his position with immediate effect, lead the International Trade Development team’s work with industry and UK Government to help develop global export opportunities for AHDB levy payers.
Prior to taking up his new role Mr Eckley was most recently AHDB’s Head of International Trade Development – a global role covering the Asia Pacific, American and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions.
With a farming background and a strong track record in building export strategy during his 19-year AHDB career, he has a wealth of experience in fuelling export growth for the UK livestock sector.
Graham Wilkinson, AHDB chief executive, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Jonathan as AHDB’s International Trade Development Director. His wealth of experience and industry knowledge will be invaluable in working on behalf of levy payers helping to ensure exports of our world-class red meat and dairy produce continue to deliver growth and value.”
Mr Eckley added: “The value of red meat and dairy exports in 2024 demonstrates the significance of international trade to our livestock sectors. It’s important we have access to a broad portfolio of markets and AHDB’s role is critical in providing technical support, evidence and in-market insight to support the industry’s global ambitions. I’m looking forward to leading the team in helping our red meat and dairy produce thrive on the global stage.”
In 2024, UK red meat and dairy exports were worth around £3.5 billion and international trade development remains a critical part of AHDB’s work for livestock levy payers. This includes supporting export health certification, site approvals for export, inspection audits from overseas government officials, facilitating trade development in key markets, participating in trade shows and coordinating inward and outward trade missions.
Most recently this has included participating in FoodEx in Tokyo, Gulfood in Dubai, SIRHA in Lyon and Expo Carnes y Lácteos in Monterrey. A major inward mission for the red meat sector is being planned for this summer and the red meat and dairy sectors are also due to have a significant presence at ANUGA – this year’s biggest international trade show – in Cologne in October.
AHDB works on behalf of levy payers, in partnership with UK Government and industry, to secure market access and international trade opportunities. It delivers a critical role supporting:
- Export health certification
- Site approvals for export
- Inspection audits from overseas Government officials
- Facilitating trade development in key strategic markets
- Presence at key trade shows and buyer events.