Tim Rycroft made chief operating officer at the FDF

The Food & Drink Federation has promoted Tim Rycroft to the new role of chief operating officer.

Rycroft joined the FDF in September 2015 as director of corporate affairs and has been a key figure in the organisation’s strategy in areas such as Brexit and the obesity agenda.

The FDF said Rycroft would provide direct support to FDF chief executive Ian Wright and would lead the FDF on strategy and industry affairs.

He will also retain oversight of the corporate affairs function and continue to be a lead spokesman for the organisation.

Prior to joining FDF, Rycroft held senior corporate affairs positions for InterContinental Hotels Group, Diageo and Boots. He has also worked in communications consultancy and spent three years as a special political adviser in government.

“Over the last three years, Tim has made a huge contribution to the reputation of FDF and our impact in the public arena,” said Wright.

“He is trusted by members, by FDF staff and by our external stakeholders. He is also a widely respected commentator on the food and drink industry.

“Right now the FDF is representing the industry across a very significant waterfront. Our ability to deliver across this very wide range of issues will determine our success for our members. This move recognises the increasing contribution Tim makes to that endeavour and to the leadership of FDF and allows us to access and deploy his great skills across a much wider agenda.”

Rycroft said: “At a time when food and drink faces such a wide range of challenges, I’m very excited at the prospect of playing a bigger role in shaping FDF’s strategy and external reputation.”