New Chairman of AHDB announced

It’s not been the best kept secret in the industry but AHDB have finally announced that Nicolas Saphir will replace Peter Kendall as Chairman of AHDB for what will be a 3-year term starting next month.

Until recently Nicholas was Chairman of the Organic Milk Co-operative OMSCO where he has achieved a great deal.  He is understood to be viewed more of a marketeer than Judith Batchelar, Sainsbury Director whom we understand he pipped at the post. 

The word from within the corridors of power is that 16 candidates were interviewed and reduced to a shortlist of two one of whom was Nick Saphir and the other was Judith Batchelar. Surprisingly it is also strongly rumoured the recommendation to the minister, following the interview process, was that Judith Batchelar was the preferred person to succeed Peter Kendall, but this was possibly vetoed which if true raises questions as to the process adopted by DEFRA. Clearly information received by Ian suggests Judith understandably a little disgruntled!      

At age 76 Nicholas has a comprehensive CV involving 61 Directorships of which 8 remain active.