The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has announced the appointment of former Diageo executive Ian Wright as its new director general.
Wright spent 14 years as corporate relations director for alcoholic drinks manufacturer Diageo, having previously held a management position with a national chain of cosmetics shops. He will replace Melanie Leech, who left the organisation in December, when his appointment becomes effective before the end of next month.
FDF represents 300 members within the food and drinks manufacturing sector in the UK.
Wright said: “The food and drink industry is a national asset of which everyone in the UK should be justly proud. It is responsible for 400,000 jobs and with an £80 billion contribution to the economy the industry is critical to the UK. It’s a privilege to be asked to lead its representative body and to be its advocate in the important challenges to come.”
FDF president Dame Fiona Kendrick added: “Ian has huge experience in the food and drinks industry and is ideally qualified to champion the sector during a period of extraordinary change.
“Ian’s role will be to ensure that government and stakeholders understand the importance of food and drink manufacturing, and support our industry to meet the changing needs of UK consumers in the future.”
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