We are pleased to announce that Michael Bell has been elected as our new Vice-President. Michael was invested during IFST’s Annual General Meeting on 13 March 2018.
Of his appointment, Michael said: “I am looking forward to supporting Institute of Food Science & Technology and its members during the most exciting time for UK Agri-Food since IFST was created. We have a lot of building to do, but together, we have a superb legacy to build on.”
Michael has over thirty-four years’ experience in the food industry and has been the Executive Director of Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) for over 22 years. He previously worked in Northern Ireland and Malta for twelve years working closely with major retailers and was a member of the Board of Ormeau Bakery.
Michael has an honours Degree in Food Science and is a Fellow of Institute of Food Science and Technology (FIFST) and a Chartered (Food) Scientist (CSci). He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (FIoD) and is a Chartered Director (C Dir) He also has a Leaders in Industry Programme Food and Drink Manufacturing sector award from Queen’s University, Belfast. Michael is Chairman of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Research and Development Council (Agrisearch) and a member of Safefood Expert Advisory Committee.
In addition, Michael is a member of the Northern Ireland Food and Feed Advisory panel for the Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland and a board member of Agri-Quest - the Food Innovation Competence Centre. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing, hill walking as well as good food and drink.