The Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organization (SSPO) has named Anne MacColl, the former head of Scottish Development International (SDI), as its chair.
MacColl served as chief executive of SDI, the international economic development agency for Scotland, between 2010 and 2015. At SDI, MacColl helped to attract investment in Scottish businesses and aided in their expansion overseas.
"MaColl has been a champion of Scottish farmed salmon for many years and recognises salmon farming as one of Scotland’s strategic industries,” SSPO Chief Executive Scott Landsburgh said. “I’m sure that she will bring much useful experience to the industry as it continues to drive exports, employment and its local and national economic success.”
MacColl replaces former chairman Professor Phil Thomas, who stepped down from the position after eight years. At SSPO, MacColl will play a central role in representing salmon farming on political, regulatory, media and technical issues in Scotland, across the United Kingdom and the European Union, and internationally.
Since 2015, MacColl has been working with the University of Stirling as the associate director of research and development, with a focus on international business development, aquaculture, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“During my years at SDI, I was always aware that salmon and whisky are iconic products which instantly suggest Scotland and its high quality products, whether you are in the Far East, Europe or America. My recent work with Stirling University, which includes the Institute of Aquaculture, gave me great insights into the industry and its highly specialised operations,” MacColl said. “When the opportunity arose to become chair of the SSPO, which has helped farmed salmon become Scotland’s number one food export, I was delighted to become involved. I hope I can bring some of my international trade and investment experience to further the industry’s development.”
The Scottish salmon farming industry is worth around GBP 700 million (USD 1 billion; EUR 889 million) and employs around 2,200 people.
