Tim Rycroft to step down as AHDB boss

Rycroft joined the organisation in 2021 from the Food and Drink Federation – where he served as chief operating officer – to replace Jane King.

During his two years in charge, Rycroft led AHDB through significant milestones, including the industry-wide ‘Shape the Future’ consultation and helped develop the management team to better support levy payers in dealing with future challenges. He has yet to announce the next step in his career.

Playing an instrumental role

Commenting on his departure, 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.​

“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.”​

Prior to his time with the FDF, Rycroft held senior domestic and international corporate affairs positions with InterContinental Hotels Group (as Director of Communications, Europe), Diageo (as Corporate Relations Director, GB and then Corporate Relations Director, Global Duty Free) and Boots Healthcare International (as Head of Corporate Affairs).

Work across the industry

As well as spells as a consultant, he also worked in government as a special adviser for three years to the Minister without Portfolio and then to the Secretary of State for Health. Rycroft has also worked in corporate communications consultancy.

Rycroft said his decision to leave was a hard one to make, but one rooted in the confidence in AHDB’s future.

"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,” ​he added.

"With my mission now nearly accomplished, the end of 2023 is the right time for me to move on."​

AHDB said the process to find a successor to Rycroft will begin shortly.