The Chief Executive Officer of the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO), Roger Vickers, will retire later this year after 14 years in the role.

Roger joined the Peterborough-based research organisation after 35 years in technical, commercial and senior management roles with Advanta Seeds, Germains Technology Group and Tozer Seeds.

Under his leadership the PGRO has grown its breadth and depth of services to levy payers, as well as building its reputation internationally as a world-class authority in pulse production.  

Jack Ward, Chairman of the organisation's Trustees, praised Roger's commitment to the role, adding that he had been an invaluable ambassador for the sector.  

"Roger will be greatly missed after many years of exemplary service to the pulse trade and wider farming industry," said Jack. "He has made an immense contribution to the growth of PGRO and leaves it in an extremely strong position going into the future."

Executive search firm Eden Search will lead the succession process.

The successful candidate will bring scientific credibility from an agriculture or biological sciences background, have a solid research and development foundation and, critically, the commercial acumen to identify and capitalise on opportunities to grow PGRO's offering.

Those interested in applying for the role should contact Hazel Noble at info@edensearch.co.uk or call 0113 834 6634.