SSPO seeks new chair in ‘period of change’

THE Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation is recruiting for a new chairman to ‘help drive the SSPO agenda forward and to bring rigour and focus to the board’. The successful candidate will replace Gilpin Bradley, managing director of Wester Ross Fisheries, who stepped into the post two and a half years ago. The organisation, which currently represents all Scotland’s seven salmon farming companies, is undergoing what it calls an organisational restructure to support a three-year strategy and operational plan. In a recruitment brochure, the SSPO’s chief executive, Julie Hesketh-Laird, said: ‘The incoming chair will lead the board and executive to take forward a detailed review of the governance of the board and organisation, and support the bedding in of the ongoing structural changes. ‘The board wishes to see further change implemented to put in place a world-class salmon producer organisation operating with the highest levels of effectiveness.’ The specifications for the chair’s role, outlined by executive recruitment agency FWB Park Brown, include: A passion for the cause of the SSPO; Outstanding leadership skills with the experience, abilities and diplomacy to guide the SSPO through a continuing period of change and renewal; Experience of broadening an organisation’s audience and engagement. Key responsibilities of the position include representing the SSPO in an ambassadorial role; presenting the strategy and policies of the SSPO and actively promoting its interests to the outside world, including the media and senior business, administrative and political figures; and liaising with other organisations on behalf of the SSPO. The expected time commitment of the post is approximately 30 days per year. The SSPO, which has recently moved its head office from Perth to Edinburgh, appointed Bradley to replace Anne MacColl in February 2017. He has overseen the transition of the organisation from under its long serving chief executive Scott Landsburgh, who retired last year, to Hesketh-Laird. A spokesperson for the SSPO said: \'The SSPO has been undergoing a process of change - including the recruitment of a new chief executive - during which time Gilpin Bradley has very ably undertaken the temporary role of chairman to help steer us through the transition. \'The SSPO is now reverting to having an independent chair. We look forward to recruiting someone who will relish the role of representing one of Scotland’s most successful and dynamic food sectors.\'