Soil Association Certification, the leading organic and sustainable certification body in the UK, has announced its new Non-Executive Chairman, Nick Buckland OBE. Alongside Nick two new Board members have also been elected, Beth Thoren and Sonny Masero.
The appointments come at a positive time for the organisation as it continues to expand its offerings including sustainable forestry and catering. In addition the, organic market remains in steady growth, continuing the trend seen since 2013.
Nick has significant experience in strategic planning, governance, review processes and quality, gathered from a range of private sector executive and non-executive directorships, which will help take the business into its next stage of growth and development. He replaces Linda Campbell, who served as Chair for two and a half years. Linda led Soil Association Certification to become a leading certifier of not just organic food and farming but an organisation with a diverse and sustainable business offer, encompassing complimentary sustainable and ethical schemes.
Nick said; “I am thrilled to join Soil Association Certification at this exciting time. It is a hugely important organisation within the organic and sustainable world and I hope to be able to share the breadth of processes the business is involved in with more people. I hope that my skills and knowledge in governance and review will further help develop Soil Association Certification and in turn, clearly communicate the business’s aims. I look forward to joining the dots between processing, forestry, textiles and farming and helping consumers understand what certification can mean.”
As well as his new role as Chair of the Board, Nick is Pro Chancellor and former chair of Governors of Plymouth University and chair of Peninsula Community Health CIC and chair of the board of EDT (Education and Development Trust). He is based in Cornwall where he runs an organic livestock farm with his wife.
Just before Nick joined the Board in December, two previously vacant positions were also filled. Beth Thoren is an expert in strategic development and marketing. Her previous experiences include working as Director of Fundraising & Communications for the RSPB and leading communications in the switchover from analogue to digital TV for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five.
Sonny Masero is an entrepreneur, investor and advisor focused on working with companies to bring to market technology that addresses energy, environmental and climate change challenges. Sonny has worked with a range of businesses to advise on strategy, investment, new business development, international sales, team success, software and technology innovation and how to have a purposeful impact.
