Red Tractor Leadership Team

Chief Executive:
Paul McLaughlin

Paul is Chief Executive of Red Tractor, the UK’s largest food and farm assurance scheme. He has extensive leadership experience across food, farming, assurance and standards. Beginning his career with Mars and The Coca-Cola company, he later led Scotland Food & Drink and fresh produce business Scotty Brand. Paul has also served as CEO of the Building Engineering Services Association and Chief Commercial Officer of the Rail Safety & Standards Board, where he oversaw the transformation of a major assurance scheme. He is also a Trustee of The Gold Standard Framework.

Deputy CEO and Director of Standards & Operations: Philippa Wiltshire

Philippa is a farmer’s daughter with over 30 years of Agri-business experience and a leading expert in whole chain assurance. She has held leadership roles at FABBL, Assured British Meat and has been involved with Red Tractor since it was launched in 2000.

She is responsible for ensuring the standards meet the needs of all stakeholders and the scheme operates efficiently for members by utilising technology, minimising audit burden and delivering credible robust compliance.

Director of Communications and Engagement: Jo Miller

Jo is responsible for communicating Red Tractor’s values and work to farmers, food businesses and consumers, leading communications strategy and stakeholder engagement. With more than 15 years’ experience in public relations, corporate communications, stakeholder management and digital content, she has worked across food assurance, sustainability and environmental issues.

Jo spent nine years at the Marine Stewardship Council, focusing on global sustainability and supply chain challenges, and five years at the Environment Agency. She has also supported major brands, including: McDonald’s, Beam Suntory and Lego with their communications.

Director of Finance & IT:
Chris Ashford

Chris provides strategic leadership for finance and information technology, supporting Red Tractor’s long-term objectives. As Director of Finance & IT, he is responsible for financial governance, risk management, financial controls, and the delivery of the organisation’s IT strategy and infrastructure. Working closely with the Board and Leadership Team, he helps ensure effective use of resources, alignment with strategic priorities, and robust financial reporting.

Chris also leads relationships with key external stakeholders, such as: auditors, bankers, statutory authorities and partner organisations, ensuring strong governance and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Director of Market Development & Supply Chain Assurance: Richard Cattell

Richard has more than 30 years experience in food and beverage sales and marketing, working with leading household brands across the foodservice sector. He joined Red Tractor in 2010 and leads the organisation’s consumer marketing strategy, driving awareness, understanding and preference for the Red Tractor brand.

Richard also oversees commercial trade development, helping to grow the number of businesses using the Red Tractor logo on products. In addition, he manages the supply chain assurance programme, ensuring that any Red Tractor claim is fully verified, with products being 100% British and traceable from assured farms through to point of sale.