'Laser focus' on levy payers as new AHDB leadership team takes shape

A fresh approach to AHDB's leadership structure with a "laser focus" on levy payers is taking shape with the appointment of two new Sector Directors.

The appointments mean the Beef & Lamb, Cereals & Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork sectors now all have representatives at an executive level in CEO Graham Wilkinson’s newly formed team.

Sam Charlton, the newly appointed Sector Director for Beef & Lamb, brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a background in farming and having spent three years successfully leading our Beef & Lamb Engagement team.

Sam’s perspective as a Beef & Lamb levy payer, coupled with her expertise in agricultural finance, will be invaluable at leadership level.

Sarah Woolford, our new Cereals & Oilseeds Sector Director, boasts an impressive background spanning 13 years working with farmers, government and the supply chain in Australia in strategic and commercial leadership roles.

Her global, strategic and commercial expertise, combined with her hands-on experience working on an arable and sheep farm, will bring valuable insight to AHDB.

Sam and Sarah join the new-look leadership team along with Sector Directors for Pork (Angela Christison) and Dairy (Paul Flanagan). The changes reflect our commitment to stronger focus, engagement, accountability, and transparency with our levy payers.

Graham Wilkinson said:

"This new structure allows us to have a laser focus on the sectors and the levy payers we are working for.

"Having the calibre of Sam and Sarah joining my leadership team along with specific representation for Beef & Lamb, Cereals & Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork is crucial in ensuring we are always listening and delivering value for our levy payers.

"These roles will be responsible for stepping up and leading AHDB within the industry, along with championing the work we are doing across the whole business. They will also be responsible for supporting the sector board members within the work that they are doing.

"I have spent the first five months of my time at AHDB listening to farmers, processors, colleagues and industry stakeholders.

"It is clear to me that our success relies on being levy payer obsessed."

Graham said in order to unleash the full potential of AHDB he was focusing on four key pillars:

• Our levy payers and maintaining their success
• Strong, brave and decisive leadership
• Creating a work environment that is fit to thrive
• Driving expertise and excellence to support our growth

Sam Charlton

Sarah Woolford