The CEO of drinks giant Diageo and the woman responsble for leading the UK’s fight against avian flu were standout figures honoured in the King’s New Year Honours List for their services to the food and drink industry.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, has been made a Companion of the Order of the Bath for her services to the veterinary and farming sectors, while Ivan Menezes, Diageo CEO, was awarded a knighthood for services to business and equality, by King Charles.
Over the past year, Middlemiss has been at the forefront of the government’s response to the ongoing avian flu outbreak, as well as developing government strategy following the independent review on bovine tuberculosis, published in 2020.
“I am truly humbled to be awarded this honour,” Middlemiss said. “For me, it demonstrates the recognition of the importance of having vets in government and what we do.
“As we’ve seen over the last few years, vets have a critical role in a variety of issues including new and emerging diseases, food supply and supporting people fleeing conflict with their beloved pets.”
Menezes said he was honoured to accept the award on behalf of the company’s 28,000 employees. Since taking the helm in 2013, Menezes has been particularly praised for his strong record on gender pay and gender equality.
Other figures honoured in the King’s first list include Arla Foods UK MD Afshin Amirahmadi, who received an OBE for services to the dairy industry. Norfolk livestock farmer John Cross also received an OBE for services to the livestock industry in his role as chair of the Bovine TB partnership for England.
Ursula Lavery, European technical and R&D director for food manufacturer Moy Park received an MBE for services to the agri-food industry and to the Northern Irish economy.
“Ursula is committed to achieving excellence across the supply chain, from farm to fork,” said Moy Park president Chris Kirke. “She is a dedicated researcher, director and leader in our industry.”
See the full list below.
Knighthood
- Ivan Menezes, CEO Diageo, for services to business and equality
- Martin Reed, chairman Wincanton, for services to industry and for public and voluntary service
Companion of the Order of the Bath
- Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, Defra, for services to the veterinary and farming sectors
OBE
- Afshin Amirahmadi, MD Arla Foods UK, services to the dairy industry
- Michael Bell, executive director of the Northern Ireland Food & Drink Association, for services to the food and drink industry
- John Cross, chair of Bovine TB partnership for England, for services to the livestock industry
- Robin Faccenda, lately chairman of Faccenda Investments, for services to the poultry industry and education
- Graham Findlay, chair drinks manufacturer C&C Group, for services to the hospitality sector
- Fukhera Khalid, MD Elbrook Cash and Carry, for services to business and the community in North London
- Sheikh Aliur Rahman, CEO London Tea Exchange, for service to the tea industry and young people
- Janet Swadling, CEO Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture, for services to farming and education.
MBE
- Susan Cunningham, lately president of Northern Ireland Veterinary Association for services to the veterinary profession in Northern Ireland
- Katherine Francis, for services to the Welsh food and drink industry
- Richard Holmes, MD Cryer & Stott for services to the British food industry
- Paula Matthews, farmer, for services to sustainable agriculture
- Peter McBride, Spar retailer, for services to the economy and the community in County Tyrone
- James McEwan, for services to the scotch whisky industry and the Islay community
- Julianne Ponan, CEO Creative Nature, for services to business, exports and people with allergies
- Ursula Lavery, European technical and R&D director Moy Park, for services to the agri-food industry and the Northern Irish economy
BEM
- Patrick McTeague, food technology technician, Defra, Northern Ireland Executive, for public and voluntary service
- Mark Smallwood, founder Didsbury Gin, for services to community in Greater Manchester during Covid-19
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