THE new chairman of the regional food group for Yorkshire and the Humber, Deliciously Yorkshire, is to be David Whittle.

He will replace Mark Stoddart who has been on the Deliciously Yorkshire board for the past ten years and chairman for the past two. Mark Stoddart is leaving to become chief executive officer/secretary for the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association.

Joining the board in 2022, David Whittle previously co-founded and was joint managing director of one of the region’s leading food and drink brand agencies for nearly 28 years until December last year. His experience in the industry is extensive, having worked with a range of well-known names in food and drink.

Mark Stoddart said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Deliciously Yorkshire, and it’s been great to see the Yorkshire food and drink industry flourishing which is so vital to our region.

"It’s home to a huge range of iconic and world-famous brands from small artisan producers selling throughout the region to large businesses exporting across the globe. To have been a part of this community has been fantastic.”

David Whittle said: I can’t thank Mark enough for his leadership and wisdom over the past couple of years and his decade long involvement with DY. His knowledge of the sector is second to none and I am looking forward to continuing his great work.

"At the heart of Deliciously Yorkshire are its members and we are dedicated to promoting, supporting and connecting Yorkshire food and drink businesses.”

Mark will be here for this year’s Great Yorkshire Show in his other role as Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s manager before David takes over at the end of July.