FSA executive changes

Thursday 17 July 2008

Tim Smith, Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency, told the Agency’s Board meeting in Cardiff today about a number of changes in senior positions in the FSA.

He told the Board that in order to reflect the Agency’s core business of 'Safe Food and Healthy eating for all' he has decided to simplify its existing structure. This means that the Consumer Protection and Enforcement Group (CPEG) will no longer exist as a separate group. The divisions that formed CPEG will be integrated into the Food Safety Policy Group and Strategy and Resources Group.

Tim Smith said: 'These necessary structural changes mean that sadly we will be losing the services of David Statham, the director of CPEG, who has decided to take early retirement. We wish David all the very best for the future and I would like to extend my personal thanks for the excellent contribution he has made to the Agency's success.'

Tim Smith also told the Board that Gerry McCurdy has been selected as Director of the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland. Gerry replaces Morris McAllister who is retiring at the end of this summer after eight years as Director of FSANI.

Commenting on these moves, Tim Smith said: ‘Gerry has been a major contributor to the strong performance of FSANI as Deputy Director for the last three years and is a very welcome appointment.

'I am very sorry to see Morris go. He has led FSANI with tremendous energy and skill and leaves the organisation well placed to face future challenges and opportunities. I wish him a long and happy retirement.'