Julie Hesketh-Laird is to take over as chief executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) following the retirement of Scott Landsburgh, who has held the position for nearly 10 years.

Hesketh-Laird was most recently acting — and deputy — chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

The SSPO is the representative body for the salmon farming industry in Scotland.

Scottish salmon is both Scotland’s and the UK’s largest food export.

Hesketh-Laird said: “I am delighted to have been appointed CEO of Scottish Salmon and to join Scotland’s most successful and important food sector.

“It is an exciting but challenging time for the development of the salmon industry and I look forward enormously to working with the industry and its stakeholders to help forge further sustainable growth.”

SSPO chairman Gilpin Bradley said: “Julie will bring a wealth of experience and fresh leadership to the capable SSPO team.

“Her background in food and drink representation will be invaluable as we work with the Government and stakeholders to keep growing our successful industry.

“I would like to pay tribute to Scott Landsburgh’s decade in the role as SSPO CEO.  We have valued his leadership and he leaves the organisation and industry in good health.

“We wish him well for his retirement.”

Hesketh-Laird will start her new job on February 19 and will tour the industry to meet the salmon farming companies and see their operations before heading to the Seafood Expo North America in early March where the Scottish salmon industry has achieved export success with sales to the US worth around £200 million.