Dominic Dyer has been appointed chief executive of the Crop Protection Association (CPA), starting from January 1, 2008.

He will join from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), where he has worked since 2000, and is membership services manager.

He played a key role in establishing new industry groups for the organic, vegetarian and functional food manufacturing sectors.

Dyer will succeed Peter Sanguinetti, who will retire at the end of January 2008.

Dyer is the founder and executive director of the American European Institute, a fellow and director of the British American Project, and chairman of the animal conservation charity Care for the Wild International.

Before joining FDF, he spent 13 years with the then Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, working in several key food policy areas within both the UK and the European Commission.

CPA chairman David Scorer said: “Dominic is an effective communicator with a strong knowledge and understanding of the agricultural world. He also has a genuine interest in food and environmental issues, as well as the world of politics. This will ensure we continue to move forward our role in explaining the vital role of crop protection products in the increasing demands on agriculture to deliver both food and fuel efficiently and sustainably.”

Dyer added: “Crop protection products are a key factor in expanding our capacity to produce a stable supply of high-quality affordable food in an environmentally sustainable manner. The CPA plays a vital role in representing the interests of this important industry. I look forward to leading the organisation in the years ahead.”