Dr Mitchell Abrahamsen has been appointed vice president, research and development for Cobb-Vantress, replacing Dr John Hardiman.

Abrahamsen will lead the company's research and development effort and strategic programmes for bringing innovation and new technologies to the poultry industry.

Hardiman, who has held this role for the past 24 years, moves into a new position as chief scientific officer where he will be a senior advisor to the company's executives on science and technology initiatives covering short and long term objectives. He will play an integral role in recommending scientific priorities for research, and participate in generating future Cobb products. Hardiman will also interface with the international scientific community and to industry organisations.

Abrahamsen has an extensive background in research and development, project design, management and implementation of state-of-the-art innovation programmes within the animal health and production industry. Much of his 18 years' experience in academic, governmental and biotechnology environments has involved developing integrated, cross-functional research programmes that utilise large-scale, high-throughput genomic and genetic technologies to develop new products and tools for improving animal health.