NFU man Phil Bicknell has been appointed as market intelligence director at AHDB.
Bicknell joins in early 2017 and willhead up the 60-strong team of market and data specialists. He will replace Ken Boyns, who has beenappointed to the role of chief finance and operations officer.
The team provides UK agricultural businesses with independent market data, analysis and insight.
Bicknell is currently head of food and farming at the NFU, and joins former union colleague Tom Hind - who joined AHDB as chief strategy officer via a stint at Tesco - in making the switch across Stoneleigh Park.
Hind said: “I am delighted to have Phil joining AHDB at a time when we are reshaping the organisation to deliver more impact and value for levy payers.
“Our market intelligence services are highly valued by levy payers and the industry. The challenges of the future from market volatility to Brexit will need a step change in the work that we do, requiring more thought leadership from AHDB. Phil brings a real depth of experience and has some exciting ideas for how we can take our service to the next level”.
An agricultural economics graduate from Reading University, Bicknell has worked in agri-economic or food roles for the British Potato Council, the USDA and Bidwells. He was also chief economist for the NFU before his appointment as head of food and farming.
He said: “In a fast-changing world, the role of information and insight is increasingly critical to levy payers. I’m really looking forward to taking up the role, working with the broader AHDB team and ensuring our market intelligence expertise delivers for levy payers’ businesses.”
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