In this role, Anne-Marie Neeteson will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the company's farming operations and the breeding programme match the social expectations and legislative requirements with regard to animal welfare and are compliant with the needs of sustainability. With her background in genetics she will also be a valuable contributor in this area and will work closely with the R&D and Product Steering functions.

She joins Aviagen from the European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders (EFFAB), where she was General Manager and was a major player in the development of that organisation in both its research and representational roles. She has been involved in the animal breeding industry for over 20 years and has an excellent knowledge of the poultry industry in particular, having recently led the broiler breeding companies' interactions with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in their development of opinions on the impact of genetics on the welfare of broilers and broiler breeding. Previously, Ms Neeteson was the major driver of the development of Code Efabar available to all animal breeders in Europe.

She assumes the role previously held by Dr Ken Laughlin, who has continued to address some of these responsibilities in a consultancy role since his retirement in 2008. There will be a hand-over of responsibility in the coming months to ensure continuity and a smooth transition.

Mr Koerhuis commented: "I am delighted to welcome Anne-Marie to Aviagen. We have been searching for a replacement for Ken Laughlin for a long time and Anne-Marie is the ideal choice. She is well-respected throughout the industry and will help ensure we continue to lead the way in all aspects of animal welfare and sustainability.

We are working closely with EFFAB over Anne-Marie's move to Aviagen to ensure there is as little disruption as possible to the important work that organisation undertakes."