Loch Duart adds cashmere firm chief to board

Alex Begg counts luxury fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren and Vivienne Westwood among its clients in addition to leading luxury retailers such as Berdorf Goodman in New York and Wako in Tokyo, and Loch Duart believes Laird's experience of the luxury market dovetails with its own positioning as a top-end brand.

Managing director Alban Denton said: “Ian Laird joining the board is a real coup for Loch Duart as he brings with him the understanding of managing the prestigious, global luxury brand, Alex Begg.

"We’re especially pleased that he will contribute his experience of managing a company which has not only doubled in size, but now exports most of what it produces. Loch Duart’s focus is on producing extraordinary-tasting salmon. Having Ian as part of our team will help us continue to deliver this to customers across the world.”

'Champion for a quality product'

Laird described Loch Duart as one of the great Scottish business success stories, adding: "As managing director of Alex Begg I have a developed an understanding of the connection between what customers value and what unique capability exists within a business like Loch Duart.

"I look forward to bringing my experience into the mix of the board of Loch Duart and being a champion for a quality product which is asked for by name worldwide.”

Meanwhile, Denton is one of two salmon farming company bosses named as finalists in the Scottish Institute of Directors awards, alongside Craig Anderson, of the Scottish Salmon Company. They are among four contenders in the Director of the Year – Large Business category.

Anderson is also in the running for the Regional Director of the Year prize (for Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders), and Denton makes the Highlands and Islands shortlist.

The winners will be named at a ceremony on March 22 at Glasgow's Crowne Plaza.