Trade body Seafood Scotland has appointed industry veteran Kevin McDonell as its new chair. McDonell takes over for John Anderson, who has stepped down from the position due to other commitments.
As well as building on existing work to promote the sector’s domestic and international business development, McDonell will be responsible for supporting the organization as it helps steer the industry through the Brexit transition, as well as managing its long-term response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He brings 12 years of experience to the role as chief executive of the west for Scotland Fish Producers Organization, as well as 12 years’ service on the board at Seafood Scotland.
“I’m pleased to step up at what is a poignant and highly critical period for our industry. While the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.K.’s imminent exit from the E.U. has provided an uncertain landscape for those in the catching, processing and wider seafood industry, we have shown we can be resilient before, and I look forward to working with businesses to capitalise on potential growth opportunities,” McDonell said.
McDonnell said he anticipates that Brexit will have wide-reaching impacts on the seafood industry in Scotland, and that he hopes he can help the industry negotiate the transition.
“The U.K.’s withdrawal from the E.U. will likely affect every aspect of the way we operate, impacting the way we source, process and distribute our goods for export, as well as where those goods might be going. Therefore, it is vital that we remain focused on promoting profitable, sustainable market opportunities,” he said. “Having worked in the seafood industry for many years, I recognise Seafood Scotland as a fantastic, free resource for those in our sector and hope that my skills, experience and guidance can help us expand our services and resources so every business has what they need to grow.”
Anderson is to remain on the Seafood Scotland board.
Established by the industry in 1999, the non-political organization works throughout the supply chain with fishermen, fish/shellfish farmers, processors, retailers, foodservice companies, caterers, NGOs and consumers.
