The chief executive of Seafood Scotland, Libby Woodhatch, is to move to a new role in Seafish as the newly created head of advocacy.
Ms Woodhatch has led Seafood Scotland for nine years and in that time has overseen the development of a comprehensive range of support services in response to industry need, ranging from business development and an environmental support programme to raising the profile of Scottish seafood and the Scottish industry through the famous Seafood Bar at the European Seafood Exposition.
Over the years Ms Woodhatch has managed to secure millions of pounds worth of European and other funding to ensure these programmes can be delivered and the Scottish industry receives the support it needs to ensure it remains competitive in a global market. In recent years, collaborative working with Scotland Food & Drink and other agencies and organisations has helped improve the range of services available to the seafood sector, and ensured that seafood remains firmly on the political agenda.
The new role at Seafish will see her act as a link between industry, Government and other key stakeholders. The role has been created in response to the results of the industry wide consultation on Seafish last autumn which highlighted a need for Seafish to ensure it was connected to its stakeholders on a regular basis. Part of the remit will therefore be to strengthen working relationships between the independent body and the industry it serves across the board.
Speaking of her departure, Chair of the Seafood Scotland Board, Iain McSween said: "We are disappointed that Libby is moving and recognise the tremendous work she has undertaken for the Scottish seafood sector. We will miss her input, as will the entire industry, but wish her well for the future within the newly structured Seafish."
