As announced at the Member Briefing and AGM in March 2023, the Organic Trade Board (OTB) has taken the decision to become a Community Interest Company (CIC), in order to properly reflect the work that we do, enabling us to access more funds and to deliver a larger number and wider range of projects.
Following this decision, we put out a call to the OTB membership for new directors to join the Board of Directors, to help expand the pool of expertise and breadth of knowledge.
After a robust selection process, the OTB are delighted to announce that four new directors will be joining OTB chairman Adrian Carne, non-executive director Paul Moore, Organic Farmers and Growers (OF&G) CEO Roger Kerr, and Soil Association Certification CEO Dominic Robinson on the Board. Selected as the strongest candidates from across the spectrum of the industry, the new appointees are:
Hazel Hunt – CEO, Ethical Food Company
Hazel 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 a range of connections and contacts across a wide range of customers which will be an invaluable asset to the OTB.
Adam Forrest – Organics Development Manager, Scotland Food and Drink
Adam has worked in commercial food and drink roles for 12 years, across multiples, independents and food service. His current role is focussed 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 – Head of Milk, Organic & Yoghurt, ARLA
Catriona 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 4 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 – Found & Owner, My Little Green Wardrobe
Lucy is the owner and founder of an innovative award-winning online store selling ethical and sustainable baby and childrenswear 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 of directors. 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.
