After six years as CEO, James Toop will be stepping down on June 1st, with current Chief Brand Officer, Nicki Whiteman, appointed as Interim CEO to guide the organisation through this next phase.

James has led Bite Back since its inception, growing it into a powerful youth-led movement challenging Big Food and pushing for a healthier, fairer food system. Under his leadership, the organisation has secured major policy wins and built an influential youth network determined to reshape the way food is made, marketed and sold to young people. His next step will take him to Teach First as its new CEO.

Reflecting on the transition, Anne Longfield, Chair of Bite Back’s Board, expressed gratitude for James’s leadership. Baroness Longfield said:

“James has been a phenomenal leader, shaping Bite Back into the force it is today. His passion, drive, and commitment have been truly inspiring, and his impact will be felt for years to come. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for everything he has done to champion a healthier future for young people.

“I’m delighted that the Board has appointed Nicki Whiteman as Interim CEO. Nicki has been instrumental in Bite Back’s success, building a brand that is recognised globally for its young people and narrative. We know she will provide the leadership needed to ensure we continue with our strategic direction and maintain our valued culture.”

James will remain in post until June 1st, with Nicki stepping in as Interim CEO from May 1st to oversee the transition. Baroness Longfield’s thoughts were echoed by James:

“Leading Bite Back has been an incredible journey, and I am endlessly grateful to the young activists, staff, and everyone who has backed our mission. To every young person, supporter, and partner who has stood with us: thank you for believing in the power of youth to drive real change,” he said.

“But it's time now to hand over the Bite Back reins to another brilliant, visionary leader who also saw the potential and signed up to that same bold mission six years ago. I am delighted that Nicki, my co-collaborator from the start, will be taking up the role of Interim CEO. I know she lives our mission and culture and will ensure things keep going from strength to strength and that young people stay at the core of everything we do.”

Nicki has been with Bite Back since the start and has been central to shaping the organisation’s unique approach of putting the voices of youth at the heart of driving change. Nicki has held Senior Leadership positions across a number of organisations, following a fifteen-year career with the BBC as a journalist and presenter. Nicki said:

“I am looking forward to steering Bite Back through an exciting and busy period, and am delighted to be able to offer our young people, staff and supporters continuity as we go through this period of transition and deliver some of our most exciting campaign work to date. I would like to wish James all the very best in his new role and thank him for his support and faith in me over the last six years. It has been invaluable.”

The leadership transition comes at a pivotal time for Bite Back. The organisation’s ambitious strategy to scale its impact is already delivering results, with major funding secured for 2025.