SSF's veteran production director switches careers
Scottish Sea Farms’ long-serving production director, John Rea, is to leave early next year to establish his own personal development and coaching business, the company said in a press release today.
Rea has been SSF’s production director for 18 years, after joining what was then Hydro Seafood GSP in 1997.
SSF said an instrumental aspect of Rea’s role has been nurturing and mentoring the marine farm team, and that he now plans to take his passion for personal development and coaching to the next level by establishing his own private practice, having achieved an accredited qualification in the specialism.
‘Natural next step’
SSF managing director Jim Gallagher said: “On a professional level, I’m hugely sorry to see John go. We both joined what was then Hydro Seafood within months of each another and soon found ourselves overseeing the company’s sale. In the years since, we’ve grown Scottish Sea Farms into one of the country’s leading growers of premium salmon, making it our shared mission to farm as responsibly and sustainably as possible.
“On a personal level, as both a long-standing colleague and good friend, I wish John every success with his new career. His ability to motivate and inspire all who work with him is renowned throughout the company, so this new career move feels like the natural next step, enabling John to share his skills with a wider audience.”
Originally from Northern Ireland, Rea moved to Scotland in 1997, leaving Hydro Seafood Fanad in County Donegal to take up the role of biologist with Hydro Seafood GSP.
‘Career-defining opportunity’
In 2001, Hydro Seafood sold its Scottish farms to Norskott Havbruk – which operates as Scottish Sea Farms – with Rea being appointed production director the following year.
Rea will remain in the role and continue to be responsible for all marine farming activities until his successor is appointed.
Gallagher said Rea leaves “big shoes to fill” in a company aiming to set the benchmark for sustainable salmon farming, but added: “For the right candidate with the right combination of experience and drive this promises to be a truly career-defining opportunity.”
