AHDB appoints new exports boss

By Gwen Ridler

- Last updated on GMT

Dr Phil Hadley has been appointed AHDB’s exports boss
Dr Phil Hadley has been appointed AHDB’s exports boss

Related tags International trade

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has appointed Dr Phil Hadley to spearhead its work to boost food industry exports.

Currently head of global supply chain development, Hadley will take on the newly-created role of international market development director.

He will be responsible for AHDB’s exports, market access and overseas team in order to deliver the organisation’s export marketing programmes.

Commenting on Hadley’s appointment, chief communications and market development officer Christine Watts said: “I’m delighted to welcome Phil to this new post, which is an important step in achieving our vision of a world-class industry competing with the very best.

‘Our vision of a world-class industry’

“Working with the team at home and internationally to access and develop new markets and support the growth of exports for our farmers, growers and processors is now more critical than ever.” 

Hadley joined AHDB in 2004 as regional development manager for the south west and has since worked in a number of roles within the organisation.

He has an MSc in Meat Science from the University of Bristol and published work on the impact of dirty animals on carcase microbiology.

Hadley has strong experience in seeking and securing access to global markets, linking with exporters, UK government departments and their overseas equivalents to deliver technical solutions and negotiate export approval.

‘Exciting time for UK exports’

He said: “This is an exciting time for UK exports and AHDB’s talents and expertise in terms of international marketing and trade access will become increasingly important in the coming years.

“We will face some challenges as we seek to maintain our position as a leading exporter to Europe and grow our reach in third country markets. I look forward to working with stakeholders across the supply chains to deliver positive outcomes for all the sectors represented by AHDB.”

Meanwhile, the AHDB’s Beef & Lamb division has appointed Awal Fuseini to the newly created role of halal sector manager.

He will lead all of AHDB’s halal work, working with processors, certification bodies and retailers to drive collaboration between AHDB and the sector.

Dr Phil Hadley’s previous roles – at a glance

  • Trained as a butcher before completing the Institute of Meat affiliate, associate and graduate member exams.
  • Spent seven years as a meat hygiene inspector
  • Spent the next eight years in a  research/consulting role in the by-product and leather sectors
  • Past chairman of the British Cattle  Breeders club, liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Butchers and recently awarded fellowship of the Institute of Meat
  • Joined AHDB in 2004 as regional development manager

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