Marcus Cheale, of Cheale Meats of Brentwood, Essex takes up his position with immediate effect or whenever.

He looks after the buying and selling of pigs for the family business which was founded more than 50 years ago and started specialising in pigs about 12 years ago.

Mr Cheale said, "I'll be on a sharp learning curve particularly on the pig production side but that is something I am keen to learn about.

"We operate with contracts and long term agreements with live pigs yet when it comes to pork the nature of our trading means we don’t know until lunchtime what is being delivered that same evening and the following morning. It’s all very reactive.

"This is in contrast to our sow trade which relies on constant supplies for manufacturing throughput of our regular EC customers."

BPEX Chairman Stewart Houston said, "I would like to welcome Marcus to the board. His experience on the processing side will be extremely valuable to BPEX and the industry.

"He represents a unique part of the sector, processing large numbers of cull sows, and will bring a fresh view point."