Federation of Bakers appoints new chief executive

By Gwen Ridler

- Last updated on GMT

Andrew Pyne takes the reigns as chief executive of the Federation of Bakers
Andrew Pyne takes the reigns as chief executive of the Federation of Bakers
The Federation of Bakers (FOB) has appointed Andrew Pyne as its new chief executive, effective immediately.

Pyne boasts more than 20 years’ experience working in senior communications roles across the food and drink industry, having most recently served as associations and groups manager at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF). He also served as acting director of FDF Cymru. 

Prior to his time with the FDF, Pyne was corporate affairs and communications manager for Cereal Partners Worldwide (Nestle and General Mills) and spent 10 years as corporate affairs manager at Nestle before that.  

‘Feeding the nation’ 

Pyne said: I am delighted to be joining the Federation of Bakers to support the plant bread bakery industry, who are critical to feeding the nation. They have an outstanding reputation and resilience, having faced recent COVID challenges, and now issues of rising energy and wheat prices from the Ukraine conflict.  

“My predecessor, Gordon Polson, has created a strong Federation and goes into retirement after seventeen years, leaving large footprints. I now look forward to working with Mike Roberts and the FOB Board and supporting them to help make an environment in which the FOB and its members can continue to flourish and grow.” 

Pyne takes over from Gordon Polson from today (Tuesday, 12 April), who leaves the role after 17 years with the Federation of Bakers. 

Brexit, COVID and Ukraine 

Commenting on his departure, Polson said: I have been with FOB since 2005, and I have enjoyed every day. It’s been an odd couple of years to finish on. Any one of Brexit, Covid or Ukraine would have been enough – three in a row is unprecedented.  

“Thank you all for your support to me and FOB. I wish you all individually, your businesses and collectively, every success. The message of the value of bread as part of a healthy balanced diet must go on and I have no doubt that it will do, with the appointment of my successor Andrew Pyne.” 

Meanwhile, the British Meat Processors Association, Food Standards Scotland and Neat Burger have all announced senior appointments, covered in this round-up of people on the move in the food and drink industry.​ 

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