Former M&S technical director Paul Willgoss replaces Christine Tacon as MDS chair

Fresh Produce Journal – 12th November 2025

Tacon’s tenure saw fresh produce management training provider treble trainee numbers and double company membership

Paul Willgoss has decades of experience in UK retail

MDS has appointed Paul Willgoss as its new chair, replacing the former Groceries Code Adjudicator Christine Tacon, who steps down after nine years in the role.

During her tenure, Tacon oversaw a period of significant growth and transformation for MDS, strengthening its position as a leading provider of leadership and management training in the fresh produce and wider food industries.

Under her guidance, MDS continued to evolve its governance, broaden its membership base, and develop the next generation of industry leaders, the organisation said.

Trainee numbers grew from 32 to more than 100 a year, and membership nearly doubled – from 36 to 68 companies.

Tacon said: “I am immensely proud of the increased resilience of the business, the diversity and capability of the trainees, and the strength of its membership. I am confident that Paul will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the role and that MDS will continue to go from strength to strength under his leadership.”

MDS praised Tacon for significantly expanding MDS during her nine years as chair

Willgoss brings extensive industry knowledge having been at M&S for 32 years, most recently as technical director, as well as sitting on various boards, including at AMFresh Group.

More recently he has helped lead an industry-wide approach to tackling modern slavery, working with G’s chairman John Shropshire, who was coincidentally one of the founders of MDS back in 1986.

MDS added that Willgoss has “a strong record of industry leadership” and is “known for his collaborative and balanced approach”.

Commenting on his appointment, Willgoss said: “I’m truly delighted to be joining MDS, a great business which plays a crucial role in the development and support of future leaders in the food and farming industry. It is a real honour to be part of this ongoing success story as chair.”

Since its formation 38 years ago, MDS has grown from its founding membership of three grower businesses to 68 member companies across the agrifood, fresh produce and food retail sectors. Members include Aldi, PepsiCo, Riverford Organics and BASF.

MDS trainees spend up to two years and four placements in member companies while completing an industry-specific qualification in leadership and management.

Fred Searle