It is planned that Mr Wilson will remain with BPEX until the end of June 2009 to ensure a smooth transition when BPEX relocates to Stoneleigh Park in the summer.

BPEX Chief Executive, Mick Sloyan, said, "We are extremely grateful to Mark for all his hard work and commitment to helping the English pig industry.

"Since he joined BPEX in July 2005, he has established a successful knowledge transfer team that has made a real difference to pig producers.

"He has also helped to transform the industry's research and development work to deliver market focused solutions that will help to ensure long-term competitiveness. We wish him well in his future career."

BPEX will be seeking a replacement immediately to maintain the momentum of Knowledge Transfer, Research and Development delivery to the English industry.