The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers has appointed former Food Standards Agency CEO Jason Feeney as its new chairman.
Feeney began his new role on Wednesday 1 July after the organisation’s board unanimously agreed on the decision.
He has succeeded John Thorley, who has moved over to the newly created president position.
Feeney brings over three decades of experience to the role spanning innovation, strategic leadership and government relations.
During his time at the FSA, he oversaw reforms covering food safety, public health and consumer protection.
According to AIMS, Feeney’s background in leading complex organisations, as well as his understanding of the regulatory landscape, will support its work representing the UK’s meat industry.
Speaking about his appointment, Feeney said he was “honoured to be appointed AIMS chairman at this critical time for the industry”.
“There are many challenges ahead but also a great many opportunities,” he continued. “I am also delighted that John Thorley has agreed to become the first AIMS president.
“His vast experience will be invaluable as we continue to represent our members’ best interests in all matters, at every level.”
Thorley, a long-standing figure in the livestock sector, has held senior roles across the National Sheep Association, National Cattle Breeders Association, Campaign for Wool, Red Tractor and The Henry Plumb Foundation, and said he was “thrilled” to be appointed AIMS’s first president.
He said it was a matter of importance for “livestock and meat producers of the UK to have their interests and views presented in all areas where matters affecting the meat and livestock sector is being discussed”.
Dr Jason Aldiss, AIMS executive director, said both Feeney and Thorley have made “outstanding” contributions to the British meat industry and would “guide AIMS through the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead”.
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