Ian was selected with more than two decades in senior management positions at Diageo and Boots, the chemist. He has also worked for Pillsbury, Burger King and Mars Confectionery.
President of the FDF, Fiona Kendrick, said: “Ian has huge experience in the food and drinks industry and is ideally qualified to champion the sector during a period of extraordinary change.
“Ian’s role will be to ensure that Government and stakeholders understand the importance of food and drink manufacturing, and support our industry to meet the changing needs of UK consumers in the future.”
Ian said: “The food and drink industry is a national asset of which everyone in the UK should be justly proud. It is responsible for 400,000 jobs and with a £80 billion contribution to the economy the industry is critical to the UK. It's a privilege to be asked to lead its representative body and to be its advocate in the important challenges to come.”
The FDF employs 65 people and has around 300 members including large food manufacturers.