OTAQ’s Hyde appointed as a director at SAIC

Chris Hyde, chief technology officer of Aberdeen-based marine technology specialist OTAQ, has joined the board of the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC).

SAIC said the move will strengthen links and foster relationships between the aquaculture sector and Scottish SMEs, drawing on Hyde’s experience in tech companies and start-ups. He currently heads up engineering and new product development for OTAQ across its aquaculture and offshore energy markets.

Chris Hyde brings more than 25 years of aquaculture industry experience to SAIC’s board. He previously held roles at aquaculture technology specialist Mohn Aqua Group (now part of Gael Force) and subsea energy systems specialist Bennex Group (now part of Siemens Energy) before becoming part of the founding team at OTAQ.

Hyde said: “Working closely with fish farmers over my whole career, I have learned a great deal about aquaculture – both in terms of how the sector operates around the world and the challenges it faces. I have led and operated within SMEs throughout my working life and look forward to bringing this experience to the SAIC board.”

Commenting on the appointment, David Gregory, chair of SAIC, added: “Chris is a great addition to the strategic knowledge and extensive sector connections available on the SAIC board, bringing a wealth of experience in terms of running SMEs, as well as expertise in aquaculture and subsea energy. Chris shares SAIC’s passion for aquaculture and the role it plays in feeding the world, with technology and innovation central to increasing the sector’s economic impact while reducing its environmental footprint.”

SAIC is a not for profit body connecting businesses and academics in aquaculture. It funds and supports commercially relevant, collaborative research that aims to deliver solutions to key sector challenges.