Finance and pet food industry specialist steps into the role vacated by Ward in September
John Walgate has been appointed as the new chief executive at British Growers, replacing longstanding boss Jack Ward.
Ward, who has run British Growers for the past decade, has confirmed that he will remain as a main board director and continue his industry representation role on a part-time basis.
Walgate will take up his new role at the beginning of September and work with Ward over the coming months.
His professional career started with accountancy firm Grant Thornton, and he has gone on to have over 25 years’ senior-level experience in the pet food sector, leading several successful businesses.
In addition to his finance and CEO experience, Walgate has also chaired the representative organisation for the pet food industry, bringing valuable expertise in industry representation.
When not working, Walgate describes his hobbies as sport, and vegetable and fruit production at his allotment on the outskirts of Lincoln.
British Growers chairman Jason Burgess said: “We had an impressive list of people come forward for the role, but the combination of John’s finance background coupled with his experience of running businesses at a CEO level made him the standout candidate to take the organisation forward. We are delighted he will be taking up the post at the start of September.”
Walgate added: ”I am delighted to be joining British Growers and continuing the excellent work of Jack and the team. It’s a great time to be joining the horticultural industry and I look forward to helping support the future growth of British producers.”
