British Nutrition Foundation updates its Board

The British Nutrition Foundation, a leading nutrition charity with an ambition for a future where everyone has access to a healthy and sustainable diet, has announced the appointment of three new Trustees and its Honorary President with effect from 1 January 2023.

Sam Fulton, Group Director Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Nomad Foods. With broad-ranging experience working for companies including Apple, Unilever, McDonalds, Nestle, Kellogg and Nomad Foods, Sam will bring a breadth of experience to the British Nutrition Foundation Board spanning global and regional trade, regulatory, public health, supply chain and the environment. She is a member of the Corporate Affairs working groups for the Food and Drink Federation and European Brands Association and sits on the Sustainability Officers Group for the US think tank, Foodtank.

Luke Stockill, Senior Director, Core Grocery, Asda. Luke has been with Asda since 2010 and has led the development of its £2bn core grocery offer. Most recently, Luke has been appointed to lead a transformation programme in Asda. As we navigate the cost-of-living crisis and changing shopping behaviours, Luke will bring considerable consumer insight and a valuable commercial perspective as the British Nutrition Foundation seeks to become more public-facing in the coming years.

Paul Wheeler, Corporate Communications Director, UK & Ireland, Kellogg’s. Paul is a seasoned corporate affairs professional with expertise in reputation, issues management, community, sustainability and public affairs. Paul is not new to the non-profit sector; he chaired Manchester Pride from 2016 to November 2022 and is currently Chair of the Trafford Climate Emergency Commission for the Borough of Trafford.

These appointments come as three Trustees step down from the British Nutrition Foundation Board: Michael Bond (Global Product Line Leader, IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances), Gill Fine (consultant) and David Webster (Director of Sustainability & External Affairs, Associated British Foods, UK Grocery).

Professor John Mathers, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said “It has been a privilege to work alongside Michael, Gill and David. Their dedication and unwavering support to the Foundation has helped us become stronger while always staying true to the science. Whilst I will miss working with them, I know they will continue to be fantastic ambassadors and advocates of our work and mission to serve society. I would also like this opportunity to welcome Sam, Luke and Paul to the British Nutrition Foundation Board and look forward to working with them to achieve our goal of connecting people, food and science for better nutrition and healthier lives.”

Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive, British Nutrition Foundation added, “My team and I are enormously grateful to Michael, Gill and David for their expertise and guidance over a number of years, and excited to have Sam, Paul and Luke bringing a wealth of experience that aligns strongly with our 2023-28 organisational strategy. Their expertise will help the British Nutrition Foundation hugely as we move forward.”

In addition to welcoming the three new trustees, we are delighted to welcome Judith Batchelar OBE who has been appointed new Honorary President of the British Nutrition Foundation. She succeeds Professor Emeritus Alan Shenkin who stepped down from the Honorary President role at the end of 2022 after many years of dedicated service to the Foundation.

Judith’s food and drink industry experience spans three decades. She was formerly Director of Brand at Sainsbury’s with responsibilities ranging from policy formation to product development, food safety and packaging along with corporate responsibility and public affairs. Judith holds an Honorary Doctorate in Agriculture from Harper Adams University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Royal Society of Arts and Manufacturers. She is a Non-Executive Director of the Environment Agency, Chair of the Rugby Players Association and a Trustee of The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Accounting for Sustainability and The Matt Hampson Foundation. Judith is also an ambassador for the Woodland Trust. Judith was awarded an OBE in 2015 for services to Farming and the Food Industry and is a Commissioner on the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission.

Professor John Mathers, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said “From policy to food safety, Judith holds a wealth of experience in the field of nutrition, and her contribution as Vice-Chair of our Advisory Committee prior to taking this new role at the British Nutrition Foundation has been invaluable. I wish her the best as she dons a new hat to support and guide the team as our new Honorary President.”

Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive, British Nutrition Foundation added, “Judith is a hugely respected food industry veteran and I am thankful for the support she has lent to the British Nutrition Foundation over a number of years. I would like to congratulate Judith as she takes on another immensely important role at the Foundation and am looking forward to working with her in a new capacity as we begin 2023.”

To learn more about British Nutrition Foundation’s governance, mission and values, visit https://www.nutrition.org.uk/our-work/