Andrew McShane has been elected Chairman of the Agricultural Industries Confederation to take over from Nick Major who has held the post for the past two years. In addition, four new members have been appointed to the AIC Board.
Andrew, who is Managing Director of Hutchinsons, has worked his way up through the agrisupply industry and so has an insight into many aspects of AIC’s remit. He became interested in crop protection while studying for biochemistry at Edinburgh then went on to do an MSc. in the topic at Cranfield and Silsoe. He started his career in a general merchant involved in feed, grain purchasing and providing arable inputs. He developed into an agronomist and also moved into sales management.
He joined Hutchinsons in 1993 and was appointed Managing Director 10 years ago. Andrew has had a strong commitment to industry stewardship and the role of science in crop production.
“It is an exciting and challenging time to be taking over with Brexit looming and a new UK agriculture bill being debated. Representing a very high proportion of the agrisupply industry, AIC has a strong voice. Thanks to its experience team, the Confederation is well equipped to work with governments and other stakeholders towards solutions that ensure UK agriculture remains commercial and sustainable.”
The four other changes to the Board are:
Chris Clayton of Agrovista becomes Chairman of the AIC Crop Protection and Agronomy Sector, a post previously held by Andrew McShane.
Peter Scott of Origin Fertiliser, becomes Chairman of the AIC Fertiliser Sector, succeeding Howard Clark.
Mark Worrell of Openfield takes over as Chairman of the AIC Crop Marketing Sector from David Sheppard.
Chris Guest of Gleadell Agriculture takes over as Chairman of the AIC Seed Sector in place of Paul Taylor.
