Seafish Appoints Important New Post in Scotland

In this role Mr Young will act as of Head of Seafood Scotland, leading the operational work of this industry body in collaboration with their Board. In addition, Mr Young will have responsibility for overseeing regional delivery for Seafish in Scotland as part of their role as a UK wide authority.

Mr Young comes with a background in the seafood industry, and his experience as a factory manager for Pinneys and Spinks, Arbroath, and MD of ScotTrout fish farming operations, ensures he has a thorough understanding of the supply chain and the challenges of dealing with major retail customers.

A four-year term with the Scottish Enterprise Network provides an expertise in funding mechanisms, the development of strategic plans, food and health innovation, and an awareness of the political sensitivities of dealing with public, private and NGO bodies.

Most recently Mr Young has worked with Matrix who are well known within the seafood sector, overseeing business development and new product concept projects.

Mr Young will begin full time work with Seafood Scotland on 1st November 2012 and in the meantime, will visit industry to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing fishermen and processors in Scotland and discuss ways in which the organisation can assist. He is keen to make contact with and build relationships throughout the supply chain.

Speaking of the appointment, Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Seafish said: "Regional delivery is an important part of Seafish's work to educate and inform people about the industry and the benefits of eating seafood.

Through working with the sectors of the Scottish seafood industry we believe he can help support them in meeting this challenge and thus ensuring a sustainable and profitable future for both the industry and the environment in which it works."

Iain MacSween, Chairman of Seafood Scotland said: "We welcome Mr Young to Seafood Scotland at what is an exciting time for the industry. There are problems, but these are more than outweighed by the many opportunities that exist to take the industry forward."

Mr Young added: "I am looking forward to the challenge of my new role and to working with the teams at Seafish and Seafood Scotland to strengthen further the reputation and capability of the Scottish seafood industry."

The appointment was made by a panel consisting of representatives from Seafish, Seafood Scotland and Marine Scotland.