Former Foods Standards Agency (FSA) chief executive, Tim Smith has been appointed co-chair of the Food and Drink Sector Council alongside Food Minister, Victoria Prentis.
His new role will see Smith leading and challenging the council looking to create change within the sector, such as building a more productive and sustainable food and drink system and looking for new opportunities for co-operation within the wider government agenda.
Along with the council, Smith will be delivering some of the measures outlined within the Government Food Strategy.
Alongside his new appointment which took place on 30 August, Smith is also currently chairman of Cranswick and has held positions as CEO at food and drink manufacturers including Northern Foods, Sara Lee, Express Dairies and dairy producer, Arla Foods.
He has also previously held appointments such as group quality director at Big 4 grocer, Tesco for five years and a non-executive director for Pret A Manger.
“The food and drink sector is facing challenges which are unprecedented in my time. It is imperative that industry and the Government continue to work in partnership to ensure we have a food system fit for the future,” Smith said.
“The Food and Drink Sector Council must help provide the strategic oversight to create that system and I’m delighted to take on the role of industry co-chair.
“I look forward to working with the Ministerial co-chair to identify the key issues facing the sector and to find practical actions to address them.”
Food Minister, Victoria Prentis added: “Tim brings an unrivalled experience of the food and drink sector from his time across a number of different organisations and a fantastic enthusiasm to drive forward the council’s agenda of meeting the challenges currently faced by the industry at large.”
