Food and Drink Federation boss gets CBE

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) boss Ian Wright has received a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) award for political and public service.

Wright – who succeeded Melanie Leech as FDF director general in March – received the honour after spending more than two decades in senior management positions with drinks giant Diageo and Boots The Chemists.

‘A private passsion’

Commenting on his award Wright said: “For all of my adult lifetime, third party politics has been a private passion. Our fortunes have waxed and waned but the friendships I have made have endured and the commitment I have seen from my colleagues has never wavered.

It is really very humbling to receive this recognition and I am very grateful for it.”

Wright has worked for a range of food businesses including: Pillsbury, Burger King and Mars Confectionery.

A long-time Liberal Democrat supporter, his career has includes spells in consultancy and politics. He is a non-executive director of the campaign firm Mass1, a member of the advisory board of The Work Crowd and a trustee of both The WAVE Trust and Children on the Edge.

Aged 57 Wright is married with two children and lives in Rutland and London.