Tate & Lyle Chief Executive to Lead UK Food Manufacturers in 2007 

27/09/06 Iain Ferguson, Chief Executive of Tate & Lyle PLC, has been elected President of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) – the voice of the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. His term of office will start on 1st January 2007.

Mr Ferguson said: ''I am proud to have been chosen by the members of the Food and Drink Federation to represent their interests and to continue the good work of my predecessor as President, Gavin Neath. I look forward to working with the FDF team and other stakeholders in the food chain as we address the challenges and opportunities which face our industry.”

Iain Ferguson joined Tate & Lyle PLC as Chief Executive in May 2003. Tate & Lyle is a world-leading manufacturer of renewable food and industrial ingredients with headquarters in London.  A global company operating more than 65 production facilities in 29 countries, Tate & Lyle employs 7,000 people in its subsidiaries with a further 4,800 employed in joint ventures.

Iain is active in a number of key industry groups, the British Nutrition Foundation and is Past President of the Institute of Grocery Distribution. 

Prior to his role at Tate & Lyle PLC, Iain Ferguson worked for Unilever. He joined the company in 1977 as a trainee following graduation from St Andrews University. His early career included roles in operations, sales and industrial marketing. 

In 1988, he became Chairman of Plant Breeding International and in 1992 his role expanded to include Chairmanship of the Unilever Plantation Group.  He moved to be Chairman of Birds Eye Walls in 1995 and then Senior Vice President Corporate Development for Unilever plc and NV in April 2001.