GB Potatoes announces Alex Godfrey as new Chair

GB Potatoes has announced that Alex Godfrey will be taking over the reins as Chairman after being elected at the Annual General meeting on the 12th December. Alex takes over from Mark Taylor who has been the Chair ever since the launch of the organisation in 2022.

Alex will be known to many in the potato sector as a director of the family business, R.J. & A.E. Godfrey. The Godfreys grow potatoes across North and South Lincolnshire, as well as growing cereals, vining peas and sugar beet. Alex was the Chair of the NFU’s Potato Forum for many years and has been the Vice Chair of GB Potatoes for the past year.

Alex Godfrey:

"I am looking forward to my new role in GB Potatoes as the organisation really starts to gain momentum and delivers on its original premise. Under Mark’s leadership the organisation has achieved many things and established itself to become an organisation that truly represents the whole of the potato industry across GB. As one of the founders of GB Potatoes I have seen firsthand how we have made great strides in becoming the voice of the industry and providing true representation for our sector."

"I am grateful to Mark for everything he has done, and also because he is willing to remain on the GB Potatoes board for a few more months as we transition to a new Chair. I am also grateful to the board of GB Potatoes who have shown great faith in me, and I look forward to working with them and our CEO, Scott Walker. Though there are a myriad of problems facing our industry I am confident that by working together we can deliver a sustainable and successful potato sector, able to withstand the pressures that are continually thrown our way."

Mark Taylor:

"After two years as Chair of GB Potatoes I feel that now is the right time to pass on the baton, and I am very pleased that Alex has been elected. His knowledge of the industry and the respect he holds within it are just what GB Potatoes need to take them forward to the next phase. I would like to thank the board for all their help and commitment to the organisation in my time as Chair."

"Together we have delivered an organisation that is ready to move to the next level in its representation for the whole of the GB potato sector. I will not be very far away, as I will be remaining on the board for a few months before stepping back from some of my industry representation work to focus on a slightly slower pace of life."

As the Chair of GB Potatoes Alex will serve for the next three years after which he may look for re-election for one more three-year period.