Matthew Hurst joins Seafood Scotland after six years with Loch Duart. Photo: Seafood Scotland.

Ex-Loch Duart salesman swaps salmon for nephrops

A former member of salmon farmer Loch Duart’s international sales team has joined Seafood Scotland, the national trade and marketing body for Scottish seafood, as programme manager.

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Matthew Hurst, who worked at Loch Duart for six years, will oversee delivery of industry-led workstreams to improve the langoustine (nephrops) supply chain as part of the Scottish Nephrops Programme Board, following the publication of a Scottish Government-funded report into the sector.

This post is funded by the Scottish Government as part of the £800,000 funding for the nephrops strategy implementation.

Karen Galloway. Photo: Seafood Scotland.

Strategic development

Seafood Scotland has also announced the appointment of Karen Galloway as head of retail.

Galloway will support the strategic development of Seafood Scotland, focusing primarily on initiatives within retail, both UK multiples and independent retail sectors. She has more than a decade of experience working in the seafood sector in marketing and project management roles, including two years as head of marketing for Seafish, the public body supporting the seafood industry across the UK.

Natalie Bell returns following maternity leave. Photo: Seafood Scotland.

Trade marketing

Natalie Bell also returns to the Seafood Scotland team following maternity leave, to resume her role as head of trade marketing (Asia, Europe and Middle East). Seafood Scotland said Bell will continue to drive engagement and trade opportunities within these markets, building on six years of experience in seeking new opportunities to promote Scottish fish and shellfish.

Seafood Scotland chief executive Donna Fordyce said: “The two new appointments, supported by Natalie returning to the fold, serve to bolster the depth and breadth of experience across the team.

“Karen brings a wealth of knowledge and an extensive network of contacts to her new role, alongside a host of new ideas. And Matthew’s expertise in sales, particularly overseas, will be crucial as we explore new global markets for langoustine.”