The Ulster Farmers’ Union Chief Executive, Clarke Black, has announced that he will retire from the organisation at the UFU’s AGM in April 2015. Clarke’s decision to retire follows after nearly 13 years of dedicated service to the UFU and 40 years of working in Northern Ireland’s agriculture industry.
UFU President Ian Marshall said: “Clarke took up the helm of the UFU in 2002 and has provided strong leadership to the organisation throughout his tenure. During his time there has never been a dull moment as he steered the organisation through a number of significant events such as various reforms of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), episodes of severe weather, the 2008 dioxin scare, and the devastating foot and mouth crisis. Under his leadership the organisation has grown and developed and he is leaving the UFU in a strong and healthy position. Clarke’s retirement is a sad day for us but we know that he has a number of exciting opportunities on the horizon and we fully expect that he will stay touch with the UFU and the wider agriculture industry.”
UFU Chief Executive Clarke Black said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the UFU, it is a fantastic place to work and I have been privileged to work alongside such loyal and dedicated members and staff. The Union is a critical part of the agriculture industry, not only locally but also at a UK and European level, and it has been an honour for me to be Chief Executive of this long-standing, credible and highly respected organisation. The UFU’s core strength is its members and I have always been proud of our broad, growing, and engaged membership base. Strong membership, backed up by good financial resources and a healthy balance sheet, is why the UFU is so effective in lobbying on behalf of farmers interests and I am pleased that I will be leaving the organisation in a sound and stable position.”
Ian Marshall concluded: “The Union would like to wish Clarke all the best for his future retirement, which is still several months away, and thank him for all his hard work and dedication over the last 13 years.”
The recruitment process for the UFU’s next Chief Executive is currently underway. For more information contact Joanne McAuley or Claire McKee at Clarendon Executive on 028 9072 5750 or email applications@clarendonexecutive.com
