Changes at the top of Scottish salmon
THE Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation has announced that its chief executive and chairman will both be leaving the group, following a recent strategic review.
Scott Landsburgh, who has been chief executive of the SSPO for the past eight years, is to retire, although he has been asked to stay on, possibly for another year, during the transition process.
Meanwhile, Anne MacColl, who was recruited from Scottish Development International to chair the SSPO, is standing down, less than a year after her appointment.
An experienced director from the industry, Gilpin Bradley of Wester Ross Fisheries, is to assume the chair of the organisation this month to see it through this period of change.
Bradley thanked MacColl for her services and contribution as chair.
‘The board is grateful to Anne MacColl for her work as chair of the SSPO during the past year and wishes her well for the future.’
Recruitment to find Landsburgh’s successor will commence in the spring.
He said: ‘It’s a great job and a fascinating industry. It has real ambition and the capital to achieve its ambitions.
‘The challenge facing my successor is delivering a public acceptance for this ambition of the industry to grow. I know he or she will get as much help as they can from members of the industry.
‘As we embark on our path to exit the European Union, I feel proud to have played a part in helping farmed salmon become Scotland’s largest food export.
‘This is, therefore, an opportune time for me to hand over the reins to ensure we continue to enjoy this success in European, UK and overseas markets post Brexit.
‘This is an industry of which Scotland should be proud. I am delighted to have contributed to its success over the past eight and a half years and look forward to seeing it continue to flourish in the future.’