Claire Donovan to take helm at British Apples & Pears

British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has appointed Claire Donovan as its next executive chair, marking a significant leadership change for the organisation representing the UK’s commercial apple and pear growers.

As reported by The Grocer, Donovan will join BAPL on 1 September 2026 and work alongside current executive chair Ali Capper during a planned two-month transition. She will formally take up the position on 4 November.

The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process involving several candidates. BAPL’s board unanimously selected Donovan, citing her strategic leadership, extensive fresh produce experience and understanding of the British horticulture sector.

Her career spans commercial leadership, technical standards, grower engagement and industry representation across the fresh produce supply chain. She also brings experience of board governance, organisational change and public policy.

Donovan said she was delighted to be joining BAPL at an important point for the sector.

She pledged to work with growers, BAPL’s board, retailers, government and the wider industry to build upon the organisation’s achievements and support a positive future for British apple and pear production.

Capper is preparing to leave BAPL after eight years as executive chair, during which the organisation strengthened its representation of growers with retailers, government and the wider industry.

“It has been an enormous privilege to serve as Executive Chair,” Capper said.

She will work closely with her successor to ensure continuity for members and stakeholders.

Capper is due to become chair of British Berry Growers in November, succeeding the retiring Nick Marston.