The UK Agri-Tech Centre is announcing today that its Chief Executive, Phil Bicknell, has decided to step back from his role with the organisation.
Phil played a pivotal role in merging the three centres – Agri-EPI, CIEL and CHAP – in 2024 and believes now is the right time to explore new career opportunities.
Replacing Phil will be respected agri-tech sector leader Hannah Senior, who will assume the role of the UK Agri-Tech Centre Interim Chief Executive.
Hannah is a respected figure in the agri-tech community and a successful entrepreneur, who combines a deep understanding of the sector with sharp commercial acumen.
Reflecting on his time with the UK Agri-Tech Centre and its predecessor CIEL, Phil said:
“I am proud of the milestones that the organisation has achieved, such as merging three centres; growing the number, scale and value of agri-tech innovation work that the company is involved with; and growing our network and influence.
The UK Agri-Tech Centre has reached a point where our largest single commercial contract is underway, with Defra’s ADOPT programme, in which large businesses across our sector actively seek our expertise and partnership and where our profile reaches ever greater heights.
As I look back on these accomplishments, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my journey. I am confident that the UK Agri-Tech Centre will continue to thrive and achieve even greater heights.
I want to thank everyone for their support and collaboration during my time here. I am excited to explore new opportunities and pursue my next career goals.”
Hannah Senior will join the UK Agri-Tech Centre as interim chief executive and her leadership will be instrumental as the organisation continues to champion innovation, as well as fostering sustainable growth across the UK agri-tech landscape.
Hannah brings with her an impressive blend of academic excellence and relevant expertise. She holds a first-class honours degree from the University of Oxford and an MBA from Stanford University.
She has first-hand experience of agri-tech entrepreneurship and in recent years she both produced an Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust-funded documentary podcast and carried out a Nuffield Farming Scholarship based on her research into the agri-tech ecosystem. Her extensive experience of global agri-related leadership and export experience will help ensure the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s work is located in an international context.
The UK Agri-Tech Centre looks forward to the opportunities ahead under Hannah’s guidance.
The UK Agri-Tech Centre Chairman, Dr Peter Quinn, reflected on the changes and new leadership for the organisation. He said:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Phil Bicknell for his tireless work leading the organisation and the key role he played in the merger of the three legacy centres. The organisation is indebted to his leadership during this time and we wish all the very best for the future.
We are, at the same time, excited to welcome Hannah Senior as Interim Chief Executive of the UK Agri-Tech Centre and welcome her leadership at a time of great opportunity and growth for the sector.”