Salmon producer Scottish Sea Farms has announced that its long-standing production director, John Rea, is to step down in early 2020 to take his career in a new direction.
Following 22 years in the role, Rea plans to take his passion for personal development and coaching to the next level by establishing his own private practice.
“On a professional level, I’m hugely sorry to see John go,” Jim Gallagher, managing director of Scottish Sea Farms, said. “We both joined what was then Hydro Seafood within months of each another and soon found ourselves overseeing the company’s sale. In the years since, we’ve grown Scottish Sea Farms into one of the country’s leading growers of premium salmon, making it our shared mission to farm as responsibly and sustainably as possible.”
Originally from Northern Ireland, Rea moved to Scotland in 1997, leaving Hydro Seafood Fanad in County Donegal to take up the role of biologist with Hydro Seafoods GSP. In 2001, Hydro Seafood sold its Scottish farms to Norskott Havbruk – which operates as Scottish Sea Farms – with Rea being appointed production director in 2002.
“On a personal level, as both a long-standing colleague and good friend, I wish John every success with his new career,” Gallagher said. “His ability to motivate and inspire all who work with him is renowned throughout the company, so this new career move feels like the natural next step, enabling John to share his skills with a wider audience.”
He will remain in the role until a successor is appointed.
“Our aim is to set the benchmark for sustainable salmon farming and we’re looking for a forward thinking, sector experienced, commercially aware candidate who can build on the gains already being made in the key areas of fish welfare, environmental protection and product quality, and help accelerate our progress,” said Gallagher.
Photo courtesy of Scottish Sea Farms
