The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Former chief of Dundee FC takes helm at Walkers
Former city businessman to lead Queen’s favourite shortbread brand
A former Scottish football chief has been appointed to lead the iconic Walkers shortbread brand which is favoured by the Queen.
Former Dundee FC chairman and exrangers chief executive Bob Brannan has been appointed as the new nonexecutive chairman of the Moray-based group, replacing the retiring Michael Walker who is stepping down after 10 years at the helm.
Mr Brannan left Dundee FC in 2010 and his wider business career has seen him take senior roles with a number of companies.
He has chaired Richard Irvin & Sons Limited and Deltic Group and was also group managing director with whisky producers William Grant & Sons and Whyte & Mackay.
Mr Brannan’s appointment at Walkers follows the hiring of Steve Mccarney as chief commercial officer at the beginning of the year.
The company said the senior team had been recruited to “ensure the longevity of Walkers” by maintaining a secure platform from which the business can continue to grow.
Walkers Shortbread managing director Jim Walker welcomed Mr Brannan to the firm.
He said: “We are delighted to have Bob Brannan on board as our chairman, as he has a lot of experience in working with family businesses and a very good track record.”
Walkers – which employs around 1,500 staff across its operations – is currently celebrating its 120th anniversary.
The company sells its products around the world and is a four-time winner of the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement. In 2017 the business was granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment for the supply of shortbread to the entire royal household.
Most recent acccounts for the year to December 31, 2016, show the group generated a £12.8 million profit from total annual sales of £138.7m.
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