Sir John Krebs to stand down

Thursday 15 July 2004

Food Standards Agency Chair Sir John Krebs has told the Agency's Board of his resignation. This move follows the announcement by Jesus College Oxford that he will take up the post of Principal in October 2005. Sir John will remain as FSA Chair until April 2005.

Commenting on Sir John's resignation, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon Tony Blair, said: 'I would like to pay tribute to John Krebs.

'He established the Food Standards Agency in the wake of the food crises that dogged this country through the 1990s.

'He has been robust in ensuring that the Agency bases its advice on sound science and in ensuring that it promotes the interests of consumers.

'The FSA has balanced the issues of risk and proportionality carefully and has done so transparently.

'As a result trust and public confidence in food safety has increased in the UK. The FSA is seen throughout the world as a model of openness and independence in managing food safety - that is a very significant legacy.'

Sir John Krebs was first appointed as Chair of the newly-created FSA on 24 January 2000, for an initial term of four years and was reappointed for a further term in January 2004.

Sir John is an internationally renowned scientist. He holds a Royal Society Research Professorship in the Department of Zoology, Oxford University, where he is also a Fellow of Pembroke College.

Between 1994 and 1999, Sir John Krebs was Chief Executive of the Natural Environment Research Council. Sir John is a Fellow of the Royal Society, a member of Academia Europaea and of the Max Planck Society, an Honorary Foreign Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a Foreign Member of the American Philosophical Society.

He has received numerous awards and honorary degrees for his scientific work.

Jesus College Oxford yesterday announced that it intends to elect Sir John Krebs to the Principalship, with effect from 1 October 2005.

Sir John's successor will be appointed by Health Ministers following a selection procedure in accordance with the Nolan principles, overseen by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.