Michael Mackenzie, director general of the Food and Drink Federation, is retiring at the end of the year after 14 years in the job. He joined the FDF in 1986, from United Biscuits where he was md of Crawfords, immediately after the merger of the Food Manufacturers' Federation and the Food & Drink Industries Council. Widely regarded as the industry's shrewdest and most effective lobbyist and tactician in Whitehall and Brussels, he has been responsible for developing significant FDF campaigns to promote general public awareness of food, hygiene,health and nutrition issues. FDF president Peter Blackburn said: "Michael's strong leadership and achievements as director- general are reflected by the steady growth in FDF members and the continuing and consistent support of the Federation through all sectors of the industry." Mackenzie said:"The FDF has never been in better shape and I would like to devote the rest of my working life to areas where there is particular need for my skills." The FDF has begun the search for a successor. {{NEWS }}