New AHDB Chief Executive

Jane King, former editor of the Farmers Weekly, has been appointed Chief Executive of the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB).  Ms King replaces Tom Taylor who left in November; she will take up the post as from 1^st February 2015.  At first sight this may not seem the most obvious of appointments.  However, Ms King had a wider managerial remit within Reed Publishing than just producing the paper edition of the FW.  Also (Sir) Peter Kendall is likely to want to be a hands-on Chairman of the AHDB, so the role of the Chief Executive may be subtly different than in the past.  The organisation may be trying to improve its communication with levy payers.  With a new team at the top, there may be some further changes at the AHDB over the coming months.