Food Standards Agency hires new chief executive

Feeney, who joined the agency as chief operating officer in January 2015, replaces Catherine Brown who revealed her intention leave the role last November.

FSA chairman Heather Hancock praised Feeney’s achievements as a change manager. “We know Jason has a strong track record of delivering complex change across sectors, and that leadership expertise is what set him apart from a very strong field of industry and public sector applicants.​

‘Our ambition to modernise regulation’​

“I very much look forward to working with Jason to address the implications and opportunities for food regulation as the UK leaves the EU, and to deliver on our ambition to modernise regulation, all while maintaining the high level of public confidence in the work of the FSA.”​

Feeney, who took up the role from April 11, said it would be a privilege to lead the FSA over the coming few years as chief executive. “The work that this organisation does is vital to the well-being and health of everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and I will be proud to lead the dedicated and professional team that deliver it.”​

£350M change programme​

The new chief executive joined the former Department of Health and Social Security as an administration officer in 1981. He spent his early years working in local offices in Leeds and Bradford in a range of frontline posts. In the 1990s he worked in finance and in the security branch of the Benefit Agency managing its £350M change programme. Read more details of Feeney’s career in the box below.

Meanwhile, for the latest jobs in food and drink manufacturing, visit FoodManJobs​.