AberInnovation CEO appointed to Food Standards Agency board

Dr Rhian Hayward MBE

Dr Rhian Hayward MBE has been appointed as Board Member for Wales for the Foods Standards Agency (FSA) and Chair of the Welsh Food Advisory Committee.

Dr Hayward is Chief Executive Officer of Aberystwyth University based AberInnovation which offers world-leading facilities and expertise within the biotechnology, agri-tech, and food and drink sector, and encourages research collaborations between businesses, entrepreneurs and academics.

The appointment was made by Lynne Neagle MS, Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Health and Wellbeing and announced today (Friday 1 September) by the FSA.

Dr Hayward will serve three years, commencing 1 September 2023 and will also assume the role of Chair of the Welsh Food Advisory Committee (WFAC).

Professor Susan Jebb, Chair of the FSA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rhian to the FSA Board.  She will bring a breadth of knowledge and experience to the Board and to WFAC, with deep insights in relation to the devolved structures within which the FSA operates. I look forward to working with her as we continue to protect public health and deliver on our mission of ‘food you can trust’.”

The announcement has been welcomed by Professor Angela Hatton, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation at Aberystwyth University.

Professor Hatton said: “Under Rhian’s leadership, AberInnovation is creating a vibrant network of entrepreneurs, businesses and researchers that is delivering new and innovative products in the food a drink sectors with exciting potential for economic growth. Her wealth of experience and knowledge of the sector will be hugely beneficial to the FSA and as Chair of the Welsh Food Advisory Committee.”

Dr Hayward has held successive careers in science and innovation. She has acted as Vice Chair of the UK Science Park Association and held public appointments for Welsh Government including membership of the Welsh Industrial Development Board and the Food & Drink Industry Board.

Originally from Swansea, Dr Hayward has a DPhil from University of Oxford in infectious disease epidemiology and a first-class BSc from King’s College London and is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. Rhian was awarded the MBE for services to Entrepreneurship in Wales in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2016.

Dr Rhian Hayward said: “It is a source of great pride to join the FSA Board and support their important work in protecting public health and consumer interests in food. The role of advising on matters relating to Wales and representing Welsh interests is one I accept with considerable enthusiasm and personal commitment.”

This appointment will involve a time commitment of 35 days per year, and remuneration for the role will be at a rate of £14,000 per year.  This appointment was made on merit and following the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice.  

Share