He was appointed to the role when the organisation launched in 2001 to work with all agricultural and rural sectors in order to help young people learn more about food, farming and the countryside.
The former secondary school science teacher, who was awarded the OBE in 2006 for services to education and farming, has helped establish FACE as a vibrant and growing charity that now works in partnership to develop and promote curriculum resources, encourage visits to the countryside and undertake research. A key element of its work is making the connection between the food we eat and the issues surrounding its production.
Mr Graham, who will leave FACE in July, said: "I have had a brilliant journey working with lots of enthusiastic and inspiring individuals from across industry. My plan now is to take a new direction during the next few years. I am sure that FACE will continue to develop and help young people connect with this vital industry."
Meurig Raymond, NFU Deputy President and FACE Strategy Group member, said: "Bill has worked tirelessly over the past 12 years in directing the charity to a place where it is now the well respected and recognised link between farming and the classroom. I wish him all the best for the future."
Newly-appointed FACE chairman Ian Pigott said: "FACE has been extraordinarily fortunate to have had Bill Graham as their Executive Director since it was founded in 2001. His knowledge of the education system has been instrumental in bridging the gap between farming and schools. Bill's legacy will be the enormous contribution he has made to reconnecting more school children and teachers to farming and countryside education than we ever thought possible when FACE was founded.
"The search is now on for a suitable successor who can carry on with Bill's tremendous work."
