Jim Moseley to Step Down as Red Tractor Chief Executive After 50-Year Industry Career

In a move that marks the close of a remarkable chapter, Jim Moseley, the current Chief Executive of Red Tractor, has announced his impending retirement in April 2026.

His decision comes after a distinguished 50-year career in the food and drink sector — and nine years at the helm of Red Tractor.

A Career Rooted in Food & Farming

Moseley’s journey began in primary agriculture, before branching into food manufacturing. Over the decades, he has held roles connected to some of the UK’s most recognisable food brands. Along the way, he served in prominent industry bodies: as President of the Food & Drink Federation, Chair of the Provision Trade Federation, a representative on FoodDrinkEurope, and as a voice in various governmental trade and agriculture bodies.

Before taking up the title of Chief Executive in 2017, Moseley had already served Red Tractor as Chair for two years. Throughout his leadership, he guided the scheme through a periodic standards review and oversaw marketing campaigns aimed at reinforcing the value of Red Tractor assurance in the public eye.

Steering Red Tractor into the Future

In his announcement, Moseley said simply: “Now is the right time for me to take a step back to enable more personal time.

I will leave Red Tractor in a strong position to support the future of British food and farming … with a board, a leadership team and tremendous employees … to carry Red Tractor forward.”

He expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues, praising their “huge professionalism and extraordinary resilience.” He noted that Red Tractor’s recognition by the World Health Organization as a “global exemplar of a voluntary assurance programme” is a tribute to the calibre of the team.

Farewells and Expectations

Alistair Mackintosh, Chair of Red Tractor, paid tribute to Moseley’s “extraordinary contribution” to British food and farming. He emphasised that consumer confidence in British food is at record levels, and that reliance upon Red Tractor certification by retailers, caterers and brands has never been higher.

Mackintosh affirmed that Moseley will leave behind an organisation that is “highly motivated, financially sound and well governed.”

Transitioning Leadership

Moseley will continue in his role through the completion of Red Tractor’s 2025/26 financial year, allowing time for a smooth recruitment process for his successor. The Board has confirmed that the search for a new Chief Executive is already underway.

In stepping aside, he intends to devote more time to personal priorities after a long and influential career.