The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has appointed Richard Hampton as its new International Trade Development Director.

Mr Hampton will take up his position from 3 June and lead the AHDB International Trade Development team's work with government and industry to optimise global growth opportunities on behalf of its levy payers.

He has substantial experience in developing and transforming businesses, working with fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and drink, retail and agriculture sector stakeholders. Mr Hampton, who has also held many senior positions including Managing Director of the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-Operative (Omsco), has extensive international experience in foreign markets and negotiating export agreements, including export market development initiatives in both dairy and red meat.

International trade development is a critical part of AHDB's work for livestock levy payers in supporting export health certification, site approvals for export, inspection audits from overseas government officials, facilitating trade development in key markets, participating in trade shows and coordinating inward and outward trade missions.

Graham Wilkinson, AHDB Chief Executive, said: "I am delighted to announce that Richard Hampton will be joining AHDB. His vast experience on the global stage will be a huge asset in ensuring that AHDB continues to deliver for its levy payers, so more consumers around the world are enjoying British red meat and dairy.

"Our levy payers have told us how much they value our work on international trade development and that they want to see us do more in this field. Richard's appointment, coupled with AHDB's long established record of working with industry and government to maximise global trade opportunities, will help us continue to ensure our levy payers' products flourish in markets the world over."