Exec Chair British Apples & Pears

Executive Chair
British Apples & Pears Limited

Could you help shape the future of British fruit?

British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) is a membership organisation looking for an exceptional Executive Chair to lead the industry at a pivotal and exciting time. This is a rare opportunity to become the voice of British apples and pears, influencing the future of the category at the highest level while building a meaningful portfolio role with genuine industry impact.

BAPL is the grower-funded, not-for-profit organisation representing British apple and pear growers. With ambitious plans to increase the share of British-grown apples and pears consumed in the UK from 40% to 60%, the organisation is playing a critical role in the future sustainability and growth of the sector.

As Executive Chair, you will be at the centre of that journey.

This is a highly visible leadership position, with executive responsibility, that offers the opportunity to work closely with growers, retailers, government bodies and key industry stakeholders to champion British produce and help secure the future of the category.

The role is broad, strategic and influential. You will:

• Act as the public face and spokesperson for British apples and pears
• Build relationships with major retailers and industry stakeholders
• Engage with government and lobby on behalf of the sector
• Provide strategic leadership to the organisation and its members
• Chair and lead a board of grower representatives
• Drive collaboration, cohesion and engagement across the industry
• Ensure strong governance and compliance standards
• You will also help drive several key strategic priorities, including:
  • Advocacy with government, retailers and industry stakeholders
  • Industry data collection and market insight
  • Media relations, communications and crisis management
  • Member engagement and next-generation grower development
  • Export advocacy and market development opportunities
• Research, innovation and sustainability initiatives

This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys operating at board and stakeholder level, thrives in relationship-led environments and is passionate about British food, agriculture and the future of UK produce.

The position requires approximately 40-60 days per year, with activity weighted towards peak seasonal periods, making it an ideal opportunity for someone looking to expand an existing portfolio career with a high-impact and purpose-driven role.

In return, you will have the opportunity to:

• Shape the future direction of an entire UK produce category
• Become a recognised voice within the fresh produce industry
• Work alongside progressive and entrepreneurial British growers
• Influence key commercial and policy decisions
• Build a meaningful and visible portfolio position with real legacy potential

If you would like to find out more, please apply below or contact Tom on or for a confidential discussion.

MorePeople have been exclusively retained on this recruitment process, and all direct applicants will be forwarded through the retained process.