UK – The Food Standards Agency (FSA) Chief Executive, Emily Miles, has announced her departure from the role, effective September 2024.
Miles, who has led the FSA since September 2019, will be returning to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as the Director General of Food, Biosecurity, and Trade.
As the FSA begins its search for a permanent replacement, it has been confirmed that Katie Pettifer, the current Director of Strategy and Regulatory Compliance, will serve as interim CEO.
The Chair of the FSA, Susan Jebb, expressed regret over Miles’ departure but assured continuity in leadership.
“She will bring a wealth of knowledge to her new role from her time at the FSA, and I look forward to working together in the future to improve the food system,” Jebb stated.
Jebb’s tenure as Chair has also been temporarily extended to ensure consistent leadership during the post-election period, allowing the FSA to maintain its effective regulatory system and uphold high food standards.
Reflecting on her tenure, Miles said, “I’m delighted to take up this new challenge, but I’m really sad to be leaving the FSA. I joined it in 2019, before Brexit, the pandemic, the Ukraine war, and the cost of living crisis. The organisation has achieved a huge amount in these five years with a determined focus on delivering food you can trust. I know that I’m leaving the FSA in the strong hands of the FSA leadership team and our Chair Professor Susan Jebb.”
Miles also expressed gratitude towards her colleagues at the FSA, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. She looks forward to continued collaboration with them in her new role at DEFRA.
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