NFU Scotland Appoints New Chief Executive

Withers has been with NFUS for eight years and has progressed through a number of roles, starting as parliamentary adviser in 1999.  He was head of the Union's communications department for five years and has been deputy chief executive since 2005.

He succeeds Andy Robertson who left NFUS in February this year after four years as Chief Executive to take up a position with East Sussex Council.

Announcing the appointment, NFUS President Jim McLaren commented: "I am delighted that, after what has been the most thorough and exhaustive selection process I have ever been involved in, to announce the appointment of James Withers to this vital role within NFUS and Scottish agriculture. He has my full support and confidence, along with that of the Presidential Team and the NFUS Board of Directors."

Commenting on his appointment, Withers announced: "I'm obviously delighted to take up this role at what is a critical time for the whole industry.  This Union has made its name over nearly a century in providing a powerful voice for the agricultural industry and rarely has it been more important for that voice to be heard.

There is no escaping the pressures on some sectors at the moment; regulatory, financial and animal health pressures are dominating NFUS work just now.  But there is also no escaping the opportunities that stem from a renewed passion in this country for food and drink and the global trends which have thrust farming back into the political and public limelight." 

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• NFUS

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