The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has appointed Will Jackson as the new Sector strategy director for Beef & Lamb.

Jackson, who joins AHDB in early September, will play a pivotal role working with the Beef & Lamb Sector Board and operational teams to deliver the organisation’s ‘Inspiring Success’ strategy.

Supply chain experience

Jackson is currently the senior agricultural manager at the Co-op, with responsibility for the beef and lamb categories, as well as poultry.

He brings with him a wealth of supply chain experience, having begun his career working in warehousing and logistics before joining the agriculture team at Arla Foods, where he worked on a day-to-day basis with farmers and retailers.

After growing up on a dairy farm in Derbyshire, Will has a passion for agriculture and helping build relationships that will ensure the industry moves forward together.

Speaking about his appointment, he said: “I’m delighted to be joining AHDB at an important time for the beef and lamb sector.

“After working across various levels of the supply chain, I hope to bring this experience and new ideas to help deliver the strategy. I can’t wait to get started.”

Driving change

AHDB chief strategy officer Tom Hind said: “We’re delighted to bring someone with Will’s practical and supply chain experience on board.

Never has there been a more important time to drive change in the beef and sheep sectors and together with our Beef & Lamb Board, he will be ideally placed to do that.

AHDB is a statutory levy board, funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain.

The organisation was established in 2008 and classified as a Non-Departmental Public Body. Its remit covers 72% of total UK agricultural output.