New salmon industry chairman

After almost two years, Michael Gibson CBE has stepped down as Non-Executive Chairman of SSPO, due to an increased workload and an expanding role at the Scottish Association of Marine Science. Mr Gibson has been influential in ensuring that the salmon farming industry has received recognition for its vital contribution to the social, economic and nutritional wellbeing of Scotland within local and national governments as well as the various regulators and stakeholders.

Professor Phil Thomas will take up the position with immediate effect.  Welcoming the new Chairman, SSPO board member Alan Balfour of Loch Duart Ltd, said:  "I am very happy to welcome Phil as Non-Executive Chairman of SSPO.   

“He has shown excellent leadership as Chairman of the Code of Good Practice Management Group for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture, and his wide involvement with various Boards in the areas of food, environment and rural development will provide essential continuity as the SSPO forges ahead with its priority areas.” 

Professor Thomas’s career has included a range of experience in research, technology transfer, education, management and consultancy. He is co-author of several books and over 200 other publications.