Red Tractor has announced the appointment of Paul McLaughlin as chief executive of the food and farm assurance scheme.
McLaughlin joins the scheme on 5 May, having worked across food, farming and assurance businesses throughout his career.
He started out in food manufacturing, working with Mars and The Coca-Cola Company, before becoming the inaugural chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink, where he bought together producers, processors and retailers.
He was then managing director of fresh produce business Scotty Brand, where he oversaw the supply of a wide range of products including potatoes, carrots, fruit and meat to retailers.
He has also held leadership roles at the Building Engineering Services Association and most recently at the Rail Safety & Standards Board, where he led the transformation of a major assurance scheme.
“British farming is the backbone of our food system, and the farmers and growers who meet the Red Tractor standard deserve a scheme that works as hard for them as they work for us,” said McLaughlin. “I want Red Tractor to be something that farmers can be genuinely proud of and that retailers and consumers trust completely. I’ll be doing a lot of listening first and then getting to work.”
McLaughlin joins at a “pivotal time” for the organisation as it continues to review its standards following significant and wide-reaching criticism.
Red Tractor said the appointment followed a “comprehensive, open recruitment process” and was ratified by the board of directors on 13 March.
He will work with outgoing CEO Jim Moseley during a handover period until he retires at the end of May.
“Paul brings a unique blend of experience working within food, assurance and multistakeholder organisations,” said Alistair Mackintosh, chair of Red Tractor. “He really impressed the interview panel with his considered and strategic approach to leadership and demonstrated the dynamism needed to drive continued improvement at Red Tractor.
“I very much look forward to welcoming him to the Red Tractor team.”
McLaughlin will also join the board of directors, along with newly elected NFU deputy president Paul Tompkins, who will replace David Exwood in representing the farming unions.
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