John Giles FIAgrM

A past Chair of the Institute, John is a Divisional Director with Promar International, the agrifood value chain consultancy business owned by Genus plc.  He has worked extensively on agri food marketing assignments throughout the UK and in some 60 other countries with clients including government agencies, trade and industry associations and leading UK and international food and drink companies.

He is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Reading, Chair of the Organising Committee of the City Food Lecture (held in London on an annual basis and organised by 7 City based livery companies involved in the agricultural and food sector), a member of the Agricultural Economics Society and President of the UK Chartered Institute of Marketing’s Food, Drink and Agriculture Group.

How does Institute membership help you in your current role?

The Institute provides me with the opportunity to meet up with like-minded colleagues and provides a forum for discussion of the key topics facing the industry.  There is certainly credibility to be gained from being an active member of a leading and well-respected organisation.  Involvement also allows me to give something back to the industry and encourage the Next Generation in to the agri food industry which is so important.

Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years’ time?

Continuing to work for the well-being of the industry.  The last 20 years have given me a great opportunity to travel and see agriculture and food industries in many countries, as well as all round the UK, but there are still places to see and things to learn.  And I will still be supporting Reading FC!

How will membership help you reach this goal?  What is the biggest benefit to you of membership?

My membership of the Institute provides a forum for debate and to gather views from people across the industry and ensures I maintain a broad perspective of what is happening in the agri food sector.  The biggest benefits to me are firstly the events, especially the conference, the great regional events the Thames Valley branch organise, the networking opportunities and finally the overall credibility membership brings.

How regularly do you attend regional/national events?

I attended most events organised by the Thames Valley branch for around 20 years and always try to get to the National Conference and the farm walk.  The events are a big part of what I do and how I do it, combining a professional opportunity with a sense of fellowship you can get from being involved. The Fellows Lunch is always very enjoyable too.