The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO) has appointed Edinburgh executive search firm FWB Park Brown to recruit its next chief executive.

Current chief executive Julie Hesketh-Laird will step down from the role next month.

The SSPO is the voice for the salmon industry in Scotland, the UK’s number one food export.

Scottish salmon exports rose 22% in 2019 to a record high of £618 million, according to statistics from the UK Government’s HMRC.

More than £1 billion of Scottish salmon is produced each year and the industry directly sustains more than 2,300 jobs. 

SSPO chair Atholl Duncan said: “We are delighted to have appointed a company with such a strong track record in recruiting top executives to this search.

“Scottish salmon is a world-leading brand and is the UK’s top food export.

“There is great potential for sustainable growth in our sector and we expect there to be a number of top candidates in the running for what is a high-profile and prestigious role.

“The role is hugely important for the sector, the economy and the country.

“We look forward to meeting candidates who are up for this unique and important challenge.”

Ailsa Sutherland, director at FWB Park Brown, commented: “FWB Park Brown is delighted to have been selected to handle this important and exciting appointment in a sector of such significance in Scotland.”