Adrian Barlow will not be standing for re-election as vice-president or as a director at the Fresh Produce Consortium agm in June.
The chief executive of English Apples & Pears has served as a director of FPC almost since its inception in the 1990s. In a statement he said: “The FPC is going through a period of change with several new directors elected already and others who will come into office next June at the agm. The current president, Jim Rogers, has decided to stand for re-election for a further year to ensure a smooth transition, building on his existing relationships with the new directors and the fact that he was instrumental in approaching them to become directors.
“I consider the vice-president should be the president-elect and that the period of vice-presidency should be used as a period of preparation for the higher office. Additionally, in my opinion a president should be prepared to serve for a minimum of three terms, if re-elected annually under the articles of association. In my case and subject to annual elections, a further year as vice-president and three years as president would result in a commitment until June 2016. I have considered the considerable demands that this would entail and whilst I would have been prepared to make the necessary commitments until 2015, I feel unable to commit for a further year. Therefore, it follows that it would be incorrect for me to stand for re-election as vice-president at the next AGM.”
Barlow emphasised that these timescales do not have any bearing on his work at EA&P and that he remains committed to the consortium. He added that he leaves the FPC council in good financial shape and with extremely capable executive staff.
FPC president Jim Rogers said: “On behalf of the FPC council, I would like to thank Adrian for his commitment and enthusiasm over many years. We fully appreciate his decision to stand down and we wish him every success for the future.”
