Dr Katrina Hayter

Katrina joined Niab in September 2026 as Chief Executive.

A plant scientist by training, with a PhD in biosciences, MSc in Ecology and BSc in Plant Sciences, Katrina's career has spanned the full journey from science to market. This includes: at DuPont Pioneer, taking crop technologies through regulatory systems in Europe and around the world; at Innovate UK and UKRI, where she led the Transforming Food Production and Defra Farming Innovation programme; and most recently at HSBC, as Global Head of Sustainable Agriculture, Land Use & Food. 

At Niab, Katrina is focused on strengthening the organisation’s role at the interface between science and agriculture, ensuring research and innovation deliver practical value for farmers and growers while building resilience in UK crop production.