Mr Sercombe, who farms near Melton Mowbray, in Leicestershire, will take up the post with immediate effect.
He outlined his main aims as boosting lamb consumption in the EU, working to ensure the industry has viable margins, that it is in a position to expand and can provide an attractive career for future generations.
Mr Sercombe said: “I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to working with colleagues from all parts of the industry across Europe.
“The marketing disruptions we have seen in the past year have put sheep farmers all over Europe under severe pressure. Thankfully the tide appears to be turning and average lamb prices are now reaching satisfactory levels although we must continue to stand together to address the issue.
“It is also essential that we look to the future – we must focus on better EU promotion of our lamb to provide a healthy home market, a sustainable EU sheep sector and continue to develop an industry attractive to the next generation.”