Graham Wilkinson, who has served in the role since March 2024, will depart on 22 August to take a career break before moving onto a new role.
Janet Swadling will start as interim chief executive on 19 August in order to provide continuity while the AHDB moves forward with the recruitment of a permanent replacement. This process is already underway, with a “high-quality field of applicants currently being considered”.
Swadling has more than 35 years of senior leadership experience within the public, private, and third sector, and is a former independent board member of AHDB.
Her previous roles including serving as the interim chief executive of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and inaugural CEO of The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH).
Commenting on the changes, AHDB chair Emily Norton said she was delighted to welcome Swadling.
“Her deep understanding of AHDB and her wealth of leadership experience make her ideally placed to guide the organisation through this period of transition,” Norton added.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Swadling described the opportunity to return to the AHDB in a new capacity as a privilege.
“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,” Swadling said.
Founded in 2008, the AHDB is a statutory levy board funded by farmers and others in the supply chain. Classified as a non-departmental public body, it supports the meat and livestock sector in England, the dairy sector throughout Britain, and the cereals and oilseeds sector across the whole UK.
