Tesco has appointed Tom Hind, corporate affairs director at the National Farmers Union, as its new group agriculture director.
In the newly created role, Hind will be in charge of Tesco’s new agriculture team and will develop the retailers’ sustainable farming groups. He will also be in charge of Tesco’s work on animal welfare and act as the main point of contact between Tesco’s commercial teams and farmers. His exact start date is yet to be confirmed.
Tesco said his appointment was part of CEO Philip Clarke’s commitment to building stronger supply chain relationships, as outlined by at the NFU conference following the horsemeat scandal earlier this year.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Tesco team and its suppliers to develop even closer working relationships between farmers, manufacturers and the retailer”
Tom Hind
Commercial director Kevin Grace said Hind was “a respected figure in British agriculture” with lots of on-farm experience. “His relationship with farmers will ensure their views continue to be heard throughout Tesco.”
Hind has been with the NFU for 15 years, during which he worked as chief dairy adviser, led the NFU’s lobbying efforts on the Groceries Code Adjudicator, and was involved with projects related to Foot and Mouth and bovine tuberculosis.
Commenting on his move to Tesco, Hind said: “Throughout my career I have been motivated by trying to make a difference on behalf of farmers and growers. I’m looking forward to working with the Tesco team and its suppliers to develop even closer working relationships between farmers, manufacturers and the retailer.”
NFU director general Andy Robertson said: “Tom Hind is an absolute asset for the NFU and so while we are sorry to lose him I am delighted that we can continue working closely with Tom in his new role at Tesco.”
The NFU has yet to announce a replacement for Hind.
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