Giles, divisional director of specialist agri-food and drink consultant, Promar International, will hold the position for the next two years, replacing current chairman, Mike Feinson.

The FDA, the UK's top professional interest group for marketing in the food, drink and agricultural sector, was last year voted 'Interest Group of the Year'. The CIM offers a wide range of training courses and schemes aimed at increasing marketing skills in the industry. Giles said: 'There are huge changes taking place in the food and agricultural sector at the moment...I am delighted to take up the challenge of this new role.'