In her role, Pais will lead the organisation’s partnerships and member engagement activity, working closely with colleagues, members and external stakeholders to shape and deliver a shared vision for a healthier and more sustainable food environment.
She will be responsible for developing high‑impact industry partnerships, growing income through member‑led projects, and ensuring members receive exceptional value through evidence‑based support and collaboration.
Commenting on her appointment, Pais said: “I’m delighted to have joined the organisation at such a critical moment for the food system. Building strong, trusted partnerships with industry and members is essential for driving meaningful change, and I’m excited to work collaboratively to deliver practical, evidence‑based solutions that support healthier, more sustainable diets.”
As part of the senior leadership team, she will play a key role in setting strategic direction, championing the organisation’s work across the UK food sector and driving impact evaluation to inform future strategy.
Her remit also includes upholding scientific integrity across partnership activity, working closely with internal experts to ensure that all engagement is grounded in credible, robust evidence.
Elaine Hindal, chief executive at the BNF, added: “Teresa brings exactly the combination of strategic leadership, partnership expertise and commitment to impact that this role demands. She will play a vital part in strengthening our membership proposition, growing our influence across the food sector and ensuring we continue to deliver change at scale, underpinned by scientific integrity. I’m very pleased to welcome her to the team.”