Janet Swadling has been appointed interim chief executive of the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board.
Swadling will take on the role on 19 August, with the current CEO, Graham Wilkinson, departing on 22 August.
The appointment by AHDB is to allow for a necessary break in employment for Wilkinson as he moves to a pork sector levy payer.
Swadling has more than 35 years of senior leadership experience across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, including as an independent board member of AHDB.
Her other previous roles include interim chief executive of Scotland’s Rural College and inaugural CEO of the Institute for Agriculture & Horticulture.
“It’s a privilege to return to AHDB in this capacity,” said Swadling. “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.”
As interim CEO, Swadling will provide continuity and focus for AHDB as the organisation moves forward with the recruitment of a permanent chief executive.
The recruitment process is already underway.
“I’m delighted to welcome Janet Swadling as our interim chief executive,” said Emily Norton, chair of AHDB. “Her deep understanding of AHDB and her wealth of leadership experience make her ideally placed to guide the organisation through this period of transition. 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.”
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