New SAIC chair will be ‘great asset’

THE Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) has announced that David Gregory will be its new chairman. He takes up his post on March 1, and replaces Jack Perry.
Gregory brings more than four decades’ experience in the food chain, from agriculture to aquaculture, fisheries to food production, and retail to food service.
He has also had close involvement with science and research funding through his role as a member of the governing council of the BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council), as current president of the Institute of Food Science and Technology and as trustee and former chairman of the British Nutrition Foundation.
He is a chartered scientist, a member of the industrial advisory board of the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh and a visiting professor at the University of Reading Centre for Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy.
Commenting on his appointment, Gregory said: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with such an outstanding and high quality industry and to supporting the excellent work being done by SAIC.
‘The aquaculture industry is hugely important to the rural economy in Scotland and I look forward to playing a part in delivering the 2030 plan for Scottish aquaculture.’
Heather Jones, CEO of SAIC, said: ‘The team at SAIC is delighted that someone of David’s calibre is joining us as we move into our next phase and we look forward to working with him over the coming years.’
Jim Gallagher, chief executive of Scottish Sea Farms and joint chair of the Aquaculture Industry Leadership Group, also welcomed Gregory’s appointment.
‘David has a wealth of experience in the food industry which, combined with his many years of involvement with science and research funding, means he will be a great asset to, and ambassador for, SAIC.’
Outgoing chairman Jack Perry was instrumental in guiding SAIC from inception to a catalyst of industry investment in innovative R&D.
Picture: SAIC\’s new chairman David Gregory