British Specialist Nutrition Association rings leadership changes

The chief of the British Specialist Nutrition Association (BSNA) is passing the baton after 11 years with the infant, elderly, gluten-free and other specialty foods group.

Roger Clarke makes way for Declan O’ Brien as director general – O’Brien’s last major position being managing director of the International Federation for Animal Health Europe (IFAH-Europe) in Brussels.

However Clarke will stay on with the group as chairman where he replaces Michael Collyer. He will also remain as president of the pan-European group, Specialised Nutrition Europe (SNE) for at least another 18 months.

“I am delighted to be joining the BSNA as I have always had a great interest in nutrition and health,” said O’Brien.

“I look forward to building on Roger’s work as we further demonstrate the positive role specialist nutrition plays in maintaining health at all stages of life.”

Collyer added: “Roger has built a professional association which is both respected and admired by its members and many other organisations.”

O’Brien’s other previous roles included being director of the Irish-based Federation of Irish Chemical Industries, which became the Animal and Plant Health Association, from 1989-2005.

On the regulatory front, Clarke and the two groups have been heavily involved in negotiations that led to the reform of EU PARNUTS (Foods for Particular Uses) rules, with the groups expressing satisfaction with the outcomes.