SAIC strengthens its board
Ben Hadfield, MD of Marine Harvest Scotland, and Paddy Campbell, MD of Biomar, are poised to join the board of the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC).
The new appointments, which take effect from 1 August, will see the number of industry representatives on the SAIC Board increase from three to five.
Ben, who is also Chief Operating Officer of Marine Harvest’s fish feed segment and was formerly Production Director and Technical & HSEQ Manager at Marine Harvest Scotland, brings extensive production and technical experience.
Paddy, who held various senior positions with Biomar – including Global R&D Director and R&D Manager of the company’s Salmon, Mediterranean and UK Divisions – before being appointed as Managing Director in June of this year, has in-depth knowledge of the development and production of high quality fish feeds.
As such, both new members have expertise that could prove invaluable in helping SAIC address its four priority innovation actions: improved sea lice control; alternative sustainable feeds for finfish; rapid detection methods for viral pathogens and diseases; and secure health-certified mollusc spat production systems.
SAIC Chairman Jack Perry reflects: “SAIC is fortunate to have such a committed and industry-experienced Board. The appointment of Ben and Paddy consolidates this further, bringing new perspectives to the table and helping cement SAIC’s position as a driver of industry-led innovation.”
The new board members are equally enthusiastic about using their industry experience to benefit the sector.
As Ben observes: “Having been immersed in Norwegian aquaculture over recent years, I am excited to return to the Scottish sector and focus my efforts – both at Marine Harvest Scotland and as a member of the SAIC board – on addressing the constraining factors that stand between the industry and its true potential.”
Paddy adds: “I firmly believe that SAIC is the right model to help integrate pressing industry needs with applied R&D. Becoming a member of the board is an opportunity to champion that model, contribute to its future direction and activities, and help ensure that more and more of Scotland’s aquaculture businesses benefit from the support on offer.”
