Roger Kerr has been named as new chief executive at industry body Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G), following the death of previous boss last December.
Kerr is a former director of Welsh organic milk co-operative, Calon Wen, and was previously general manager at Proper Welsh Dairy Crest.
He was appointed following the death of OF&G's chief executive of ten years, Richard Jacobs.
Chairman of OF&G, Richard Thompson, said: “It would be fair to say that we were all devastated by the loss to illness of Richard Jacobs, at a mere 50 years old, but the staff have been as predictably committed and professional as we knew they would be and the organisation is now ready for Roger to bring his experience and perspective and to take it forward.”
Thompson said Kerr understands the organic world and the people and businesses in it.
“It was very quickly apparent to us that Roger was the right person for an organisation which is focused rigorously protecting the integrity of the organic standards,” he said.
Kerr said the outlook for organics in the UK is bright and its prospects, post financial downturn, are improving week-by-week.
He added: “This is a company with very strong core of expertise and professionalism that is respected throughout the organic sector for its practical approach to certification.
“I’m very happy to have been entrusted with framing the next chapter in its progress. I knew Richard Jacobs well and liked and respected him and the job he did at OF&G. If someone has to follow him in these sad circumstances, I’m glad it can be me.”
Shropshire-based OF&G was the first organisation approved by the UK government to carry out organic regulation in 1992.
In addition organics, OF&G inspects and certifies commercial composting and the digestate from anaerobic digestion.
