Defra’s John Powell has been chosen to take the helm as the next chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association.
Powell leaves his role as head of the agricultural sectors team at Defra and brings over 40 years’ experience in the agri-food industry to the position.
His experience includes that as a UK civil servant and in the private sector as an advisor to governments in over 20 European countries.
Powell also has a proven track record of working with and as an adviser to government and regulatory decision makers, the BMPA said.
He will join the BMPA team on 1 April 2026.
“John Powell brings an impressive mix of experience at the highest levels of government, both domestically and internationally, as well as relationships across industry stakeholders,” said Tom Kirwan, BMPA president.
“He has a deep understanding of the issues that the UK meat and livestock industry is currently facing and believes he can translate that into a constructive working relationship with government policymakers, parliamentarians and other stakeholders to advocate for BMPA members’ interests.”
He will take over from Nick Allen, who has led the organisation for almost a decade.
Read more: BMPA CEO Nick Allen to retire after 50-year career in food
Allen said that the industry had “developed an excellent working relationship” with Powell over the past few years.
“As he joins BMPA, John brings valuable insights into government policymaking and how we as an industry can best navigate that system,” said Powell. “His appointment cements and enhances BMPA’s position as the principal trade body for the British meat industry and will strengthen the hand of our members as we face the challenges of the future.”
Powell said that under Allen’s leadership the BMPA had “proved itself to be a credible advocate for the British meat industry”.
“Once in post I intend to draw on my own experiences to develop a forward-looking strategy that strengthens BMPA’s influence and policy impact across the issues that impact it, including trade, regulation, labour and sustainability,” said Powell.
He added: “Working closely with members and the BMPA team, I want to build trusted relationships with policymakers, government agencies, parliamentarians and allied organisations including international trade bodies, providing strong representation as the principal voice for the UK meat industry.”
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