We are delighted to welcome Judith Batchelar OBE to the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH). Judith takes up the role of Chair of the Board on 2 December 2024.
Speaking at the recent launch of the UKCEH strategy, Judith said: "I am honoured and excited to take on the role of Chair of this brilliant research institute. With an ever-increasing demand for our science, UKCEH has much to contribute to tackling the urgent environmental challenges of our time."
Dr Stuart Wainwright, UKCEH Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted that Judith will take up the position of Chair of our Board. Her leadership, drive and insight will be invaluable for UKCEH as we look to use our science even more to make the world a better place. We will hugely benefit from her professional experiences across the food, agriculture and environment spheres."
Judith has 40 years’ experience in the food and drink industry, notably as Sainsbury’s brand director from 2004-2021, where she was instrumental in driving product quality and innovation, corporate responsibility, sustainability and public affairs.
She is currently deputy chair of the Environment Agency and a trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. A biochemist and nutritionist with an honorary doctorate in agriculture, Judith chaired the UK Government’s AgriTech Leadership Council from 2013 to 2018. She received an OBE in 2015 for services to farming and the food industry.
Today she co-chairs Defra’s Food Data Transparency Partnership eco working group, serves as a commissioner on the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, and is an ambassador for Farm Africa and the Woodland Trust.
Judith succeeds Lord Cameron of Dillington, who retired from his role as UKCEH Chair on 30 November 2024.