Ex-Scotty Brand MD replaces retiring Jim Moseley
The Red Tractor farm assurance scheme has appointed Paul McLaughlin as its new chief executive.
McLaughlin started his career in food manufacturing, working with Mars and Coca-Cola before becoming the inaugural chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink, where he bought together producers, processors and retailers.
As managing director of Scotty Brand, he oversaw the supply of a wide range of products including potatoes, carrots, fruit and meat to the UK’s major grocery retailers. He has also held leadership roles at the Building Engineering Services Association and most recently at the Rail Safety & Standards Board, where he led the transformation of a major assurance scheme.
McLaughlin will take up the role on 5 May, allowing him to work alongside Red Tractor’s outgoing CEO Jim Moseley before his retirement at the end of May. He will also join Red Tractor’s board of directors.
McLaughlin said: “British farming is the backbone of our food system, and the farmers and growers who meet the Red Tractor standard deserve a scheme that works as hard for them as they work for us. I want Red Tractor to be something that farmers can be genuinely proud of and that retailers and consumers trust completely. I’ll be doing a lot of listening first, and then getting to work.”
Alistair Macintosh, chair of Red Tractor, added: “Paul brings a unique blend of experience working within food, assurance and multistakeholder organisations. He really impressed the interview panel with his considered and strategic approach to leadership and demonstrated the dynamism needed to drive continued improvement at Red Tractor. I very much look forward to welcoming him to the Red Tractor team.”
Red Tractor also announced that following the recent NFU elections, new NFU deputy president Paul Tompkins has joined the board to represent the farming unions. He replaces outgoing director David Exwood.
