HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Aviagen^® is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Thomson as Global Vice President (VP) of Aviagen’s Technical Operations. He succeeds Dr. Bryan Fancher, who will retire in September this year.

Thomson, latterly Aviagen’s Global Head of Technical Transfer, has assumed his new role effective from March 1 and will collaborate closely with Dr. Fancher over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.

In his new position, Thomson will become a member of Aviagen’s Executive Management Board and report to the Chief Technical Officer of Aviagen Group Dr. Alfons Koerhuis.

Leading with passion and vision

A native Scotsman, Thomson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Global Technical Operations (GTO) team. Throughout a career in the poultry industry spanning more than 35 years, 26 of which with Aviagen, he has served as Global Head of Technical Transfer, General Manager for Aviagen UK Limited, and Regional Commercial and Technical Manager, supporting customers across Western Europe.

He has also held senior production and quality assurance roles with chicken and turkey operations in the UK and the US, including managing Aviagen’s pedigree operations in the UK and leading the UK sales and customer support team.

Before joining Aviagen, Thomson worked in farm and breeder operations management with poultry-integrated businesses in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and also studied Poultry Science & Management at the Scottish Agricultural College.

Thomson will remain based in Scotland, UK, traveling frequently to Aviagen’s global headquarters in Huntsville, AL, and around the world, visiting Aviagen operations and participating in customer events. A search will begin immediately to fill his current position as Global Head of Technical Transfer.

Decades of dedicated service

Dr. Fancher has committed 35 years of service to the worldwide poultry industry, with the last 24 of those years being devoted to Aviagen. Before joining Aviagen, he served three leading poultry and agricultural companies, including primary poultry breeder Hubbard Farms. Bryan will continue to dedicate some of this time to the industry as a consultant to Aviagen.

“After much consideration, a 35-year career in the global poultry industry represents a fitting milestone for my retirement. My career journey in this important industry has been interesting, rewarding, and enjoyable. I want to thank my Aviagen colleagues and customers for all their support during my time here,” commented Dr. Fancher.