A fresh approach to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’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 and Lamb, Cereals and 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 and Lamb, brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a background in farming and having spent three years successfully leading AHDB’s Beef and Lamb Engagement team. Sam’s perspective as a Beef and Lamb levy payer, coupled with her expertise in agricultural finance, will be invaluable at leadership level.

Sarah Woolford, AHDB’s new Cereals and 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 AHDB’s commitment to stronger focus, engagement, accountability, and transparency with its levy payers.AHDB CEO 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 and Lamb, Cereals and 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. In order to unleash the full potential of AHDB I am focused 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 and Samantha will be taking up these new roles in early September.”