NEW SCOTTISH AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE CONSULTING MANAGING DIRECTOR APPOINTED

The Board of SAC Consulting (part of Scotland’s Rural College) is pleased to confirm the appointment of Mike Wijnberg as the business’ new Managing Director.
Mike joins SAC Consulting from his current East Anglian-based, senior management role with the UK’s largest pig production and processing business, Tulip Ltd. He will take up his new post on 1 June 2015, filling a vacancy created by predecessor Jonathan Cowens who left in August 2014.
Originally from South Africa, Mike moved to the UK in 1995 to take up the post of Veterinary Manager with the BQP farming business. (Having grown significantly since then, BQP is now part of the Danish Crown-owned subsidiary Tulip.) Mike’s veterinary role has involved developing and managing Tulip’s pig production health strategy and leading the business’ interface with government and industry bodies on animal health issues. He has also been responsible for leading BQP’s interface with universities, industry bodies and NGOs on pig health and welfare issues.
While retaining his veterinary responsibilities throughout his time with BQP/Tulip, Mike has held additional roles, firstly as Operations Manager, where he oversaw the day-to-day function of two of the company’s pork processing operations, and mostly recently as Supply Chain Manager, which involved leading the business’ pig procurement function.
Before coming to the UK, Mike spent a decade in private veterinary practice in the South African town of Ladysmith. As part of his veterinary work, he played a co-ordinating role in the development of regional cattle health schemes. During this same period, Mike built up his own beef suckler herd and also ran a seasonal cattle trading operation.
Mike completed an MBA at the University of Cape Town in 1993 and his Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria in 1983.
Commenting on Mike’s appointment, SRUC’s Acting Chief Executive Janet Swadling said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike to SAC Consulting. Given his extensive experience as a farmer and a practicing vet, and through his strategic and leadership roles within the agri-business sector, the Consulting Board and I are certain that he will bring a vast range of relevant experience, skills and wisdom to his new role. We feel sure that SAC Consulting will benefit immensely from Mike’s leadership, placing the business in the strongest possible position for success during what is undoubtedly a challenging yet exciting time for Scottish agriculture and for SRUC.”
Pat Machray, Chairman of the SAC Consulting Board added: “It was necessary for us to take our time in making this appointment because we needed to be sure the new Managing Director had the right mixture of skills and experience. I am confident that we have found this in Mike.”
Mike Wijnberg said: “I am delighted by the prospect of leading SAC Consulting, particularly at a time when the rural economy and many associated industries are being transformed. I believe there are great opportunities for the business and I look forward to moving to Scotland and taking on the many challenges that lie ahead.”