Helen Herniman replaces Graham Wilkinson, who took on the role in March 2024 and stepped down in August 2025. Janet Swadling, interim CEO, will lead the process of a handover in the new year, before leaving AHDB in January.
Herniman, who takes on the new role from 5 January 2026, is a Chartered Accountant with several years’ executive experience, leading organisations in a variety of sectors.
AHDB said her experience includes leading these organisation through “growth, turnaround and transformation.”
Her career spans the public and private sectors, including the Law Society as chief finance officer and, most recently, the Nursing and Midwifery Council where she was the acting chief executive officer.
Herniman said: “I’m delighted to be joining an organisation that has a key role in an industry that produces safe, sustainable and nutritious food.
“My predecessors and the brilliant team at AHDB are making great progress in supporting and championing our world-class farmers and producers and there is plenty more to come.
“I look forward to working with our experts and the wider industry to continue our mission to unlock the success of British agriculture.”
AHDB chair Emily Norton said: “On behalf of the whole Board, I am delighted to be welcoming Helen as the Chief Executive Officer.
“Helen’s strategic insight, and belief that our greatest strength lies in our people, align deeply with the Board’s values and ambition for AHDB.
“She brings a proven track record of leadership, innovation and service delivery in the regulated and private sectors, experience that will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on our sector strategies and for our levy payers.”
The new CEO position is an appointment by the Board of AHDB led by the chair of the Board, Emily Norton, and supported by the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs.
