FJudith Batchelar, who was previously the brand director at Ormer Sainbury, has been named deputy chair of Environment Agency.
George Eustice, Environment Secretary, confirmed that Batchelar will serve her term from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2025. This is in addition to her October 2021 reappointment to EA Board.
Richard Macdonald’s term as deputy chair ends on 31 March 2022.
Batchelar will earn £21,002 per year based on a time commitment of five days a month, with an additional responsibility allowance of £4,199 per year.
Specialist in food and drink
Batchelar has worked in the food and drink industry for over 35 years, starting her life in manufacturing before moving into retail at Marks & Spencer. From 2004 to 2021, she worked for Sainsbury’s as director of Sainsbury’s brand with responsibility for all aspects of Sainsbury’s product offer.
Batchelar is a biochemist and nutritionist. He holds an honorary doctorate from Harper Adams University in agriculture, and is a fellow of both the Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Royal Society of Arts and Manufactures.
She is currently chair of Environment and Business Committee and a member Audit and Risk Assurance Committee and People and Pay Committee.
She was the chair of the government’s AgriTech Council from 2013 to 2018. She currently sits on the Natural Environment Research Councils and the Food and Drink Sector Councils.
She is also the chair of Rugby Players Association. She is also a trustee at The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Accounting for Sustainability and The Matt Hampson Foundation. She is also an ambassador for Woodland Trust.
She was awarded an OBE in 2015.