The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has announced Janet Swadling OBE will become its interim chief executive from next month.
The current CEO, Graham Wilkinson is due to depart on August 22, with Swadling taking up the role from August 19..
The appointment by AHDB is to allow for a necessary break in employment for Wilkinson as he moves to a pork sector levy payer.
New AHDB interim CEO
Janet Swadling has more than 35 years of senior leadership experience across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
A former independent board member of AHDB, she has a track record in governance, strategic leadership, and organisational transformation.
Her previous roles include interim chief executive of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and inaugural CEO of The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH).
As interim CEO of AHDB, Swadling is expected to provide continuity and focus for the organisation as it moves forward with the recruitment of a permanent chief executive.
Chair of AHDB, Emily Norton commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Janet Swadling as our interim chief executive.
“Her deep understanding of AHDB and her wealth of leadership experience make her ideally placed to guide the organisation through this period of transition.
“I want to thank Graham for his commitment and achievements during his time with us and wish him all the very best for the future.”
Janet Swadling said: “It’s a privilege to return to AHDB in this capacity. I look forward to working with our colleagues, levy payers and stakeholders to maintain momentum on key priorities and ensure a smooth and stable transition as the search for a permanent CEO continues.”
AHDB has stated that the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive is already well underway, with a high-quality field of applicants currently being considered.
