Three new non-executive directors have joined H&H Group.
Long serving non-executive directors John Leveson and Craig Norman are retiring from the board.
The company said it had appointed Samantha Charlton, of Ponteland in Northumberland, Brampton-based Jo Ritzema, and Colin Bateman, of Kendal.
Currently director of AHDB Beef & Lamb, Samantha Charlton brings over 15 years of senior leadership experience across agriculture and commerce.
Samantha farms in partnership with her husband as part of a mixed farming business, and has held senior roles with the NFU and Lloyds Bank Agriculture and is widely recognised for her collaborative leadership, industry expertise, and commitment to the future of UK farming.
Jo is an experienced business leader with a proven track record across pharmaceutical manufacturing, retail, logistics, and leisure.
A chartered accountant and chartered director, she combines strong commercial, financial, and strategic expertise with a deep knowledge of governance, compliance, and risk management.
Former managing director and now executive chair of WCF Ltd, a long-established and diversified rural business, Jo has successfully led transformation through acquisitions, diversification, and sustainable growth.
Colin, a ministerial appointee to the AHDB main board, also brings extensive experience.
Based in Cumbria, he runs a 340-hectare upland farm, diversified into tourism and business ventures alongside livestock and arable enterprises. As chair of the AHDB Beef & Lamb sector, he represents UK farming at major international trade events.
Group chair Will Hamilton said: “On behalf of H&H Group I would like to thank both retiring non-executive directors, John Leveson and Craig Norman for their invaluable input and support during the last few years.
“These are challenging and changing times for the agricultural economy in the UK, but challenges create opportunities, and H&H Group is determined to take every opportunity to secure the ongoing success of the business, the farmers and communities we serve.
“Samantha, Jo, and Colin each have unique experiences and understanding of the rural economy, and I am confident they will help the group continue to develop and grow,” said Will Hamilton.
Samantha said: “I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to bring my deep passion for the agricultural sector to life, helping to shape a business rooted in the countryside community and to identify exciting opportunities for future growth.”
Colin added: “I am excited to join the board of H&H as I see it as a really important part of helping rural businesses take charge of their own futures.
“I am going to use my previous board experience at AHDB and knowledge of international trade to help H&H deliver a better return for its customers and shareholders. I am keen to harness the power of collaboration, and I genuinely believe that as a well-established agri business H&H is really well placed to play a pivotal part in that.”
Jo said: “H&H Group plays a significant role in Cumbria’s business heritage by evolving to meet the changing needs of the farming community over the past 100 years.
“I believe my experience of business development, diversification, and strategic commercial and financial expertise will help progress the business to the next level.
“I have always been a passionate advocate of employee engagement, and I want to help H&H Group continue to build values-led cultures that foster engagement, innovation, and leadership development.
“Harrison & Hetherington has a great reputation for its traditional values while embracing change, and I look forward to supporting the digital transformation of the business and the skills of the people who deliver it.”.
