Mr Armstrong, who has been acting head since the departure of Mike Varley in July, was previously Veterinary Programme Manager.

He joined the Veterinary Department of the Meat and Livestock Commission in 1998.

He graduated as a veterinary surgeon in 1983 and prior to joining MLC worked in veterinary research at the Veterinary Research Laboratories in Northern Ireland and in general veterinary practice in Ireland and New Zealand.

Mr Armstrong is an author of more than 30 scientific publications and was president of the Pig Veterinary Society (PVS) 2008-09.

He is also a Member of the Board of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture and of the Pig Health and Welfare Council.

BPEX Director Mick Sloyan said: "Derek is a valuable member of the team with a wide range of knowledge about the industry."

Mr Armstrong said: "Research and development is very important in any industry and the focus for BPEX will be on delivering the work that helps pig farmers in England to compete effectively with pig producers internationally.

"I look forward to working with producers, processors and the wider supply chain to identify the priorities for research and development and finding practical solutions."