Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers appoints Hayley Campbell-Gibbons as new CEO

UK – The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) has announced the appointment of Hayley Campbell-Gibbons as its new chief executive officer.

With over two decades of experience in agricultural policy, advocacy, and leadership, Campbell-Gibbons brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her new position.

Her background includes a pivotal role as the chief dairy adviser for the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), where she contributed significantly to shaping policies that support the dairy sector.

In her most recent role as head of sustainability for Kite Consulting, she further demonstrated her commitment to improving the dairy industry.

Additionally, she has held various non-executive director roles, including for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and is currently a board member of the Food Standards Agency.

As RABDF’s new CEO, Campbell-Gibbons will lead the organization into a new era of growth and influence. Her leadership aims to strengthen the association’s ability to advocate for dairy farmers and address the challenges facing the industry.

In her statement upon accepting the role, she expressed her eagerness to connect with RABDF’s staff, members, and key stakeholders, many of whom she already knows through her previous roles.

Her vision for RABDF aligns with its mission to represent and support dairy farmers while shaping a positive future for British dairy farming.

“I am honoured to join such an esteemed and well-respected organization as RABDF. My priority will be to get to know the people who make the organization tick—the staff, members, trustees, and stakeholders—and to build strong connections with key industry players,” Campbell-Gibbons said.

“I look forward to helping reshape RABDF and driving positive changes that will contribute to a vibrant future for British dairy farming.”

Hayley Campbell-Gibbons will officially assume her role as CEO on November 11, where she is expected to bring fresh perspectives and continue RABDF’s advocacy for dairy farmers, further positioning the organization as a strong voice within the agricultural sector.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hayley as our new chief executive officer. Her extensive experience and passion for the industry make her the ideal leader to guide RABDF forward,” RABDF chairman Robert Craig added. 

Meanwhile,The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has appointed 12 new members to serve on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board for a three-year term starting from November 1, 2024, until October 31, 2027.

The appointees includes both new and reappointed members, who represent a range of states and regions that shows the diversity of dairy farming across the country.

This board plays a critical role in promoting dairy products and fostering growth in the industry by combining resources for advertising, research, and market development.

Established under the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983, the board consists of 36 dairy farmer members representing 12 geographic regions across the U.S., along with one importer member who represents dairy importers.

The board works to develop and implement coordinated programs aimed at increasing the demand for dairy products and ingredients, which is vital for the long-term health and stability of the dairy sector.

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