Key Takeaways
- NIAB has appointed Trish Malarkey as a member of its board.
- Ms. Malarkey brings over 30 years of experience in food and agritech innovation.
- Her expertise spans senior roles in multinational companies and advisory positions.
- NIAB aims to leverage her experience for strategic development in agriculture and biodiversity.
- The appointment coincides with the retirement of Professor Alison Smith and Dr. Nigel Kerby from the Board.
Trish Malarkey’s Appointment To NIAB and Background
NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany) has announced the appointment of Trish Malarkey as a member of its Board. With a career extending over 30 years, Ms. Malarkey has held significant research and development roles in multinational businesses across the UK, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and the USA. Her experience includes positions such as Chief Innovation Officer at Royal DSM and Head of Global Research and Development at Syngenta, among others.
Strategic Goals and Expectations
Dr. David Buckeridge, chair of the NIAB Board, highlighted the significance of Ms. Malarkey’s appointment. He noted her unique blend of commercial business acumen, R&D strategy, scientific technical expertise, and knowledge of the global agribusiness industry. Her appointment is expected to provide valuable insights for NIAB’s future development, especially in integrating advances in food productivity with reduced environmental and climate impacts.
Ms. Malarkey’s Perspective
Responding to her appointment, Ms. Malarkey expressed enthusiasm about joining NIAB, particularly impressed by the strategic changes the organization has implemented in crop genetic research, applied agronomy, and knowledge transfer. She looks forward to contributing to NIAB’s vision, which aims to balance high-yielding, profitable crop production with reduced agricultural environmental and climate impacts.
Additional Board Changes
Dr. Buckeridge acknowledged the contributions of Professor Alison Smith and Dr. Nigel Kerby, who are retiring from the Board after eight years of service. In addition to Ms. Malarkey’s appointment, NIAB welcomes Philip Wynn OBE and Professor John Latham to the NIAB Trust. Wynn, Chair of LEAF since 2017, brings extensive agricultural experience, and Latham, a Cambridgeshire farmer and former chair of Camgrain, adds valuable farming insights.
Departure of Tony Pexton
Concurrently, former NIAB Board Chair Tony Pexton is retiring from the BCPC Advisory Board. Pexton’s replacement is Hazel Doonan, Head of Crop Protection and Agronomy at The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC).
