Hambling joins the union from Sainsbury, where he was agricultural manager for lamb since July 2013.
From February 2010 to July 2013 he served as agriculture manager for Randal Parker Foods and food policy manager for the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) for two years before that.
Hambling was also the policy and project manager for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (DEFRA) from 2001 to 2008.
He is to replace Phil Bicknell, who left the NFU in December last year to join the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.
‘Time of significant challenge’
On his role at the NFU, Hambling said: “The NFU has a hugely important and influential role to play in the development of agriculture and food chains at this time of significant challenge and potential opportunity for UK producers.
“I particularly look forward to working with the NFU’s commodity boards, offering my experience of working in government – as well as with policymakers inside and outside commercial value chains – to help us shape and capture the best of those opportunities for UK farmers and growers.”
Hambling’s appointment is the latest in a number of people moving to new food and drink industry jobs in the past month.
People on the move
You can see all the latest movers and shakers in our photogallery of people on the move, featuring Moy Park, Young’s Seafood and Tesco.
If you are looking for the next step in your food and drink career, why not check out the latest positions at FoodManJobs.
Meanwhile, don’t miss the big interview with NFU director general Terry Jones in next month’s issue of Food Manufacture. Watch out next week for our exclusive video interview with Jones.
Philip Hambling CV
- Sainsbury, agriculture manager: July 2013–January 2017
- Randal Parker Foods, agriculture manager: February 2010–July 2013
- BMPA, food policy manager: 2008–2010
- DEFRA, policy and project manager: February 2001 – February 2008