Exciting New Leadership for City Food & Drink Lecture

3 min read

The esteemed City Food & Drink Lecture is preparing for its 23rd year with the appointment of Allan Wilkinson as the new chairperson for the 2024 event. Wilkinson, who succeeds John Giles, brings extensive experience in the food and drink industry from his role as head of agrifoods at HSBC UK.

Scheduled for Monday 11th March 2024 at the Guildhall in London, the City Food & Drink Lecture consistently attracts over 600 attendees and is renowned for its insightful thought leadership and engaging panels addressing key issues in the UK food and drink sector. The event is jointly organized by eight of the City of London livery companies involved in the agriculture, food and drink sectors, including the Worshipful Companies of Bakers, Butchers, Cooks, Distillers, Farmers, Fishmongers, Fruiterers and Poulters.

In light of his new role, Wilkinson expressed his gratitude to John Giles for his contributions as the previous Chair and pledged to uphold the respected traditions of the City Food & Drink Lecture in the years to come. He aims to build upon the efforts made during Giles’ leadership and bring fresh perspectives to the event, leveraging his wealth of experience and industry connections.

As a testament to his commitment to the industry, Wilkinson is part of various industry bodies, a trustee of the Royal Countryside Fund and is a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Farmers. With such a strong background, he is well-positioned to guide the City Food & Drink Lecture to even greater heights, attracting influential figures from the sector and valued sponsors for future events.

Wilkinson’s position as chairperson involves embracing the strong legacy and heritage of the event, which has become a respected platform for industry experts and professionals. His enthusiasm for the event and dedication to maintaining its high standards are evident in his statement: “It is a great honour and privilege to assume the role of chair for the prestigious City Food & Drink Lecture at the Guildhall in London.”

The annual City Food & Drink Lecture holds a commendable reputation for featuring keynote speakers and panels that address critical issues in the UK food and drink sector. Its central location in the heart of London adds to its appeal, drawing stakeholders and thought leaders from various segments of the industry. The event’s success is largely attributed to meaningful discussions and thought-provoking insights that contribute to the advancement of the food and drink sector.

Wilkinson’s vision and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in ensuring the continued success and relevance of the City Food & Drink Lecture in the years ahead. With his guidance and the support of the organizing livery companies, the event is poised to deliver another exceptional and impactful gathering for the industry in 2024.

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