Thomas, New in the Chair at SSPO

SCOTLAND - Professor Phil Thomas, is the new Non-Executive Chairman of the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation. Michael Gibson CBE has stepped down from the post after almost two years due to an increased workload and his expanding role at the Scottish Association of Marine Science.

Alan Balfour of Sutherland based Loch Duart Ltd and an SSPO Board member, said Mr Gibson’s has played a significant part in the industry’s development over the last couple of years.

Constructive

"We thank him for his support, his independence of mind and his constructive challenge to the Board. During his time in office he has significantly helped to position the industry as one of Scotland’s foremost food producing sectors in rural Scotland,” he added.

While with SSPO, Mr Gibson has been influential in ensuring that the salmon farming industry has received recognition for its vital contribution to the social, economic and nutritional wellbeing of Scotland within local and national governments as well as the various regulators and stakeholders.

“My involvement with the salmon sector has reinforced in me its importance to Scotland and I shall continue to make sure it is properly recognised by a wide group that can influence its future development,” said Mr Gibson.

Wide Experience

Professor Thomas takes up the position with immediate effect and is delighted to have an increased involvement with the salmon industry. "Aquaculture makes such a huge contribution to Scotland’s food sector and to the rural economy – and I have had a long-standing personal and professional interest and involvement in both,” he added.

Alan Balfour said Professor Thomas had shown excellent leadership as Chairman of the Code of Good Practice Management Group for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture. His wide involvement with various Boards in the areas of food, environment and rural development would provide essential continuity for SSPO's priority areas.

Professor Thomas’s career has covered research, technology transfer, education, management and consultancy. He is also co-author of several books and more than 200 publications.

TheFishSite News Desk

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