Jane King CEO AHDB jumps ship 6 months early

Another fact worthy of an explanation is how come in October 2020 AHDB announced that Jane King would step down as CEO after a six-year spell at the end of September 2021 having served 12 months’ notice. It turns out she leaves next week on March 31st, 6 months early!

Was Jane given the push or has she joined others, like Tom Hind (formerly Tesco Tom) who left last September and was one of the first to hit the exit button. For sure AHDB should not pay gardening leave to Jane, but it’s a mystery as to why she is leaving 6 months early with no sign of a replacement. 

Surprisingly, no permanent successor to the role of CEO has been appointed during the last 6 months and Saphir has been touting round for candidate names as have head hunters. There was very limited enthusiasm for the post before the two-levy board no votes and now anyone looking at the role will surely view it as potentially a very short-term position.

Head hunters were very open that the AHDB head count had to be reduced by around 100 people as one of the CEO’s first jobs.

That was pre the two No votes, so whilst this head count will almost certainly have increased today, many are already on the hunt for new jobs, particularly the younger ones. 

So, the declared aim to “ensure a smooth transition” and handover as per the press statement announcing Jane King’s departure has hit the rocks. 

Temporary stand in CEO is understood to be Ken Boyns, who is a blast from the AHDB Dairy past and is an interesting temporary promotion. He could conceivably be there until the old man sings.