Clare Evans, Dr Susan Paterson and Steve Ruddy will serve four-year terms on the board, while Professor Sir Frank Atherton, Alison Austin and Louise Hoste will serve three-year terms.
The new board members commenced their positions on 1 August 2025, with the exception of Austin who will take up her role on 18 November 2025.
Food Standards Agency board members are paid £8,000 for 20 days per year, with all appointments made in accordance with the guidance issued by the Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
“I’m pleased to welcome these six exceptional individuals to the FSA board,” said Professor Susan Jebb, chair of the Food Standards Agency.
“Their diverse expertise across the food system, in public health, retail and regulatory services will strengthen our ability to protect consumers and uphold food safety standards.”
Atherton has held senior public health leadership roles across England, Canada and Wales over two decades, including as chief medical officer for Wales during the Covid pandemic.
Austin combines public sector non-executive experience with independent sustainability consultancy, building on 25 years at Sainsbury’s in consumer needs and sustainability.
Evans has extensive experience within the food manufacturing sector, including over 26 years in executive roles at Greencore Foods.
Hoste is an experienced retail leader and non-executive director with over 35 years of experience across food, convenience and general merchandise sectors.
Paterson is a distinguished RCVS and European Board-Certified Veterinary Dermatologist and the current President of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology.
Finally, Ruddy is a highly experienced local government leader who currently chairs the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
Last month, it was announced that the chief scientific officer of the Food Standards Agency is stepping down.
Professor Robin May is departing the organisation after completing a five-year term in the role, and will take up a new position as interim chief scientific officer at the UK Health Security Agency.
