The UK Agri-Tech Centre has appointed Steve McLean as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the organisation as it seeks to strengthen its role in advancing agricultural innovation. McLean, currently Head of Agriculture & Fisheries Sourcing at M&S, will assume the position on 27 January 2026, following what the Centre describes as a rigorous recruitment process.
His appointment arrives at a critical juncture for British agriculture, where the push for sustainability, productivity gains, and resilience against climate pressures is driving rapid adoption of agri-tech solutions. McLean’s background spans retail, agriculture, and fisheries, with a career built on navigating supply chain complexities and driving strategic change. This experience aligns closely with the Centre’s mission to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation, helping farmers and food producers integrate cutting-edge technologies into their operations.
Speaking ahead of his transition, McLean emphasised the importance of collaboration in accelerating progress. *”The sector is undergoing rapid transformation,”* he noted, *”and the UK Agri-Tech Centre plays a vital role in supporting innovation that addresses real-world challenges.”* His focus on delivering tangible impact suggests a pragmatic approach to leadership, one that prioritises actionable outcomes for businesses developing and scaling agri-tech solutions.
The change in leadership also reflects the Centre’s recent momentum under interim CEO Hannah Senior, who will remain on the Board following McLean’s arrival. Dr Peter Quinn, Chairman of the UK Agri-Tech Centre, acknowledged Senior’s contributions in refining the organisation’s strategic direction, particularly in enhancing support for companies commercialising agricultural technologies. *”Steve’s appointment will build on this foundation,”* Quinn said, *”providing the leadership needed to drive further growth in the sector.”*
Senior herself described her interim tenure as both a *”pleasure and a privilege,”* highlighting strides made in making the Centre more effective in its core mission. Her endorsement of McLean’s deep understanding of the agricultural value chain underscores the continuity in vision, even as the organisation prepares for a new phase of expansion.
For the agri-tech sector, McLean’s arrival signals a reinforced commitment to fostering innovation that meets the dual demands of economic viability and environmental stewardship. With his retail and supply chain expertise, he is well-positioned to strengthen partnerships between technology developers, farmers, and food businesses—key stakeholders in the Centre’s ecosystem. As the agricultural landscape evolves, his leadership will likely focus on scaling solutions that enhance productivity while reducing environmental footprints, a balance increasingly critical to the sector’s future.
The UK Agri-Tech Centre, which operates as a catalyst for research, development, and commercialisation, now enters 2026 with a leadership team poised to navigate both the opportunities and challenges of a transforming industry. For businesses and researchers engaged in agri-tech, McLean’s appointment may well herald an era of more targeted support, aimed at turning innovative concepts into market-ready solutions.