Having taken the decision to become a Community Interest Company (CIC) – in order to ‘properly reflect’ the work it carries out, gain access to increased funds and deliver a larger, wider range of projects – the Organic Trade Board (OTB) has appointed four new names to its Board of Directors.
Following the decision to shift to a CIC model, the OTB put out a call to membership for new directors to join its existing Board of Directors ‘to help expand the pool of expertise and breadth of knowledge’.
A ‘robust selection process’ ensued and the ‘four strongest candidates from across the spectrum of the industry’ were selected: Hazel Hunt, CEO, Ethical Food Company; Adam Forrest, organics development manager, Scotland Food & Drink; Catriona Mantle, head of milk, organic and yoghurt, Arla; and Lucy Todd, founder and owner, My Little Green Wardrobe.
The appointees join Adrian Carne, OTB chairman; Paul Moore, non-executive director; Roger Kerr, OF&G; and Dominic Robinson, CEO, Soil Association Certification.
The OTB says ‘this strengthened Board of Directors, with their combined expertise and knowledge of the organic sector, provides excellent representation of the UK’s organic industry, and they are committed to working towards improving awareness and growing the sector.”
An introduction from the OTB
- “Hazel Hunt is a passionate advocate of collaboration and believes that working together is critical to driving success for the organic industry. As a business leader, Hazel brings a variety of skills, is effective at bringing people together and will work diligently to establish and see through organic activation plans with retailers. With over 20 years of experience within the industry, Hazel has developed … connections and contacts across a wide range of customers which will be an invaluable asset to the OTB.”
- “Adam Forrest has worked in commercial food and drink roles for 12 years, across multiples, independents and foodservice. His current role is focused on market development for Scottish organic food and drink, working in partnership with certification bodies, Government and retailers (through Scotland Food & Drink). Adam’s knowledge and experience is grounded by a science degree in Land and Environmental Management. He is delighted to joining the OTB Board of Directors and hopes to increase the representation of the OTB in Scotland at such a critical time, while the Scottish Government are vocal on their support for organic agriculture and food and drink. With a target to double the amount of organic farmland in Scotland, and ongoing investment into market and supply chain development for organics across Scottish development agencies, now is the time for the OTB to build stronger links into Scotland.”
- “Catriona Mantle is a positive, enthusiastic and highly motivated marketing professional with nearly 20 years FMCG experience, 12 years of which working at Arla Foods. With a track record of delivering business growth through strategic development and tailored activity for Arla and their customers, Catriona has spent the last four years ambitiously leading the marketing team responsible for driving the organic agenda. Organic is a priority focus area of growth for Arla; Catriona has been responsible for developing their long-term strategy and working with her team to execute it. She is passionate about organic farming, and really enjoys being in a role that helps to make a difference. Catriona has raised the organic agenda within Arla, helped drive passion commitment for organic through its teams and customers, and she looks forward to supporting the OTB in helping continue the momentum the team have started.”
- “Lucy Todd is the owner and founder of an innovative award-winning online store selling ethical and sustainable baby and children’s wear with a focus on GOTS-certified organic cotton. After a successful career as a senior journalist at BBC News for 15 years, Lucy has researched extensively on the issues relating to organic and sustainably produced textiles and will bring expertise in this area to the Board. With a background in journalism, Lucy has strong communication skills and will be instrumental with PR and media outreach. As a female founder, Lucy is motivated and passionate about climate and sustainability issues and can bring a female perspective to issues facing the OTB. It’s crucial to incorporate the views of female stakeholders – particularly when research suggests women are more likely to make the purchasing decisions around organic produce and are more likely to buy organic.”
