Seafish chairman, John S. Whitehead, is to retire from the role after 10 years when his current term of appointment expires at the end of December.
Mr Whitehead joined Seafish in 2002 as deputy chair of the Board, becoming chairman in June 2010. In that time he has helped successfully negotiate Seafish through its most difficult period of operation after a challenge to its status was taken all the way to the Supreme Court in 2010.
Mr Whitehead has steered Seafish through successful resolution of the legal case, a consultation with industry, the development of a new corporate plan, and the reorganisation of its governance structure including the appointment of a new board.
Speaking of his time at Seafish, John Whitehead said: “Keeping the momentum of the organisation going through a court case that stretched over nearly two years was one of the biggest challenges I have ever faced. I will always feel extremely proud that we not only succeeded in maintaining a service during that difficult time, but we were also able to ensure that a healthy organisation came out the other side.
“Since then we have worked extremely hard to create an organisation that industry wants. I firmly believe the systems, structures and work plans we have in place now mean Seafish is in the strongest position that I have ever known it to be and look forward to watching the organisation deliver on its commitment to provide a real benefit to the seafood industry. Our new Corporate Plan will be going to Fisheries Ministers within the next few days.”
Mr Whitehead will officially step down on 31 December 2012 and intends to remain active within the food industry and beyond.
