British Apples & Pears has announced the appointment of Claire Donovan as its executive chair.
Donovan will join the organisation on 1 September, working alongside current executive chair Ali Capper during a two-month handover.
She will formally take up the role on 4 November.
The appointment follows an extensive search and selection process.
The board concluded that Donovan’s breadth of experience, strategic leadership and deep understanding of the fresh produce sector made her the best candidate, according to James Simpson, vice chair of BAP.
“Alongside that, she brings outstanding board and governance experience from outside horticulture, where she has helped lead organisational change in a complex membership organisation,” Simpson added. “That combination of sector knowledge and proven leadership made her the outstanding candidate to lead BAP.
“She combines commercial insight with a genuine commitment to British horticulture and has the credibility, relationships and leadership skills to help BAP continue to champion the interests of British apple and pear growers.”
Donovan has experience across the supply chain, spanning commercial leadership, technical standards, grower engagement and industry representation.
She also has experience in board leadership and public policy, including as a board director of the Welsh Rugby Union and contributions to the government working group that led to the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004.
“British growers produce exceptional apples and pears to some of the highest standards anywhere in the world,” said Donovan. “They deserve an organisation that is ambitious, influential and relentlessly focused on creating the conditions for a thriving domestic apple and pear industry.”
Outgoing executive chair Ali Capper welcomed Donovan’s appointment, adding she was “incredibly proud of what we have achieved” during her tenure.
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