The HFMA’s long-standing executive director, Graham Keen, is to step down in July when he will “hand on the baton” to Martin Last.
Keen has led the HFMA through a period of unparalleled political and regulatory change, during which its reputation and influence grew strongly and its membership increased steadily.
Steve Mann, chair of the HFMA, said: “I feel privileged to have worked with Graham for many years, and to be able to say that not only was I fortunate enough to have served the HFMA myself, but that I did so during the ‘Graham Keen Era’.” He continued, “Whilst the association has an illustrious past, it also has as an exciting future. So, I look forward to working closely with Martin, the HFMA Team, our Advisors and Council as we continue to build a platform for the future success of our industry.”
Martin Last (picture below) is well-known to the HFMA’s member companies and has been closely associated with the HFMA for over 25 years, as a member company throughout that time and also a long standing and committed member of the HFMA Council. He has served as HFMA Chair and Vice-Chair, and he is an active member on various HFMA sub-committees, such as the Technical Committee, Political Engagement Committee and PR Committee. Martin also represents HFMA at its European federation, EHPM, and is currently the EHPM Vice President. Martin sits on the board of the EHPM and is the chair of the Quality, Technical and Regulatory Work Group, and also is part of EHPM’s Probiotic and Novel Foods Task Forces.
“The time has come for me to take things a little easier, and my primary concern has been to leave the HFMA, and the interests of all its members, in safe hands. Martin brings fantastic experience to the role and like me completely understands the importance and great value of the work that the HFMA undertakes”
Graham Keen
Graham Keen said: “The time has come for me to take things a little easier, and my primary concern has been to leave the HFMA, and the interests of all its members, in safe hands. Martin brings fantastic experience to the role and like me completely understands the importance and great value of the work that the HFMA undertakes.”
Martin Last added: “I have always been strongly committed to our industry and I am really looking forward to stepping up to this new role with all the challenges it will bring. Graham has clearly done an excellent job in enhancing the standing and reputation of the HFMA and I intend to carry on this work, in association with the HFMA team, and to best promote the values and initiatives for our members and our industry for the future.”
