Ms Woodhatch has led Seafood Scotland for nine years and in that time has overseen the development of a comprehensive range of support services in response to industry need, ranging from business development and an environmental support programme to raising the profile of Scottish seafood and the Scottish industry through the famous Seafood Bar at the European Seafood Exposition.
Over the years Ms Woodhatch has managed to secure millions of pounds worth of European and other funding to ensure these programmes can be delivered and the Scottish industry receives the support it needs to ensure it remains competitive in a global market. In recent years, collaborative working with Scotland Food & Drink and other agencies and organisations has helped improve the range of services available to the seafood sector, and ensured that seafood remains firmly on the political agenda.
The new role at Seafish will see her act as a link between industry, Government and other key stakeholders. The role has been created in response to the results of the industry wide consultation on Seafish last autumn which highlighted a need for Seafish to ensure it was connected to its stakeholders on a regular basis. Part of the remit will therefore be to strengthen working relationships between the independent body and the industry it serves across the board.
Speaking of her departure, Chair of the Seafood Scotland Board, Iain McSween said: "We are disappointed that Ms Woodhatch is moving and recognise the tremendous work she has undertaken for the Scottish seafood sector. We will miss her input, as will the entire industry, but wish her well for the future within the newly structured Seafish."
In the meantime Seafood Scotland continues in its work to support the industry in Scotland and has its work plan and project funding in place for the next 12 months.
In welcoming Ms Woodhatch to Seafish, CEO Paul Williams said: We are delighted that Ms Woodhatch has chosen to move to a new role in Seafish. The position reflects industrys wishes for us to focus on working closely with them and building strong ties that will endure as we kick start our new strategy and work programmes.
"Ms Woodhatchs character and extensive experience within the industry make her an excellent addition to the team and we have every confidence Ms Woodhatch will play a key part in our future plans.
In Scotland, the established model of Seafish working with Seafood Scotland to ensure regional delivery still remains, continuing to support the industrys thinking on how they can best be served by us.
Ms Woodhatch will leave her current position at the end of June 2012 before taking up her new role in September.
Seafood Scotland CEO Moving to New Role Within Seafish
UK - The Chief Executive of Seafood Scotland, Libby Woodhatch, is to move to a new role in Seafish as their newly created Head of Advocacy.
by Lucy Towers
