By Ken Fletcher

THE NEW British Charolais Cattle Society chief executive is to be Peter Phythian, who will replace the long serving David Benson after his retiral.

Mr Phythian takes up his new role from March 14 and will spend a couple of weeks acclimatising himself with the society alongside Mr Benson before he retires at the end of that month after 29 years in the role.

The new CE brings 35 years of experience of working throughout the food chain – from grass roots to retail – and moves to the post from Eurofins where, as business manager, he worked with the global company’s feed analysis, genomics, food legal advice and BRC audit divisions.

He began his career on the family’s Lancashire farm managing both pedigree Charolais and commercial cattle. After graduating with a diploma in agriculture, he worked with the Meat and Livestock Commission and the European Food Safety Inspection Services before being appointed MLC Commercial Services’ chief executive.

Peter commented: “I am delighted and honoured to be joining the British Charolais Cattle Society and I’m very much looking forward to meeting members and working with all members up and down the beef chain – breeders, commercial farmers, auction marts, processors and retailers, and to subsequently making a positive difference.”

For the BCCS, its chairman, Andrew Hornall, commented: “David Benson has constantly demonstrated his unwavering commitment to professional excellence and to development of the society over a period spanning almost three decades.

"It’s that solid foundation which David’s vision has forged, combined with Peter’s leadership skills, which I am confident will take the society on to the next chapter. Peter has experience and expertise that will enable us to meet the industry’s ever evolving challenges and embark upon an exciting new phase of our journey of growth and increasing brand awareness.”