Scott Walker says “collaboration is key” and urges potato sector to join new industry body
GB Potatoes has appointed Scott Walker, the former CEO of NFU Scotland, as its new part-time CEO.
After 25 years working at NFU Scotland, Walker takes up his new role with GB Potatoes on Monday 2 October. He has urged the British potato industry to “get on board” and join the new not-for-profit industry body that was formed after the winding down of AHDB Horticulture.
Walker’s part-time position at GB Potatoes will compliment his other part-time work with the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, leading the organisation’s operations as well as its engagement with government bodies, the supply chain and food business leaders.
Walker said: “Collaboration is key. The objective for GB Potatoes is simple: we are here to ensure a viable future for GB potato production. GB Potatoes is a platform for the supply chain to collaborate to tackle the long list of issues facing the industry and to be a respected voice to talk to government bodies and work with them to address emerging challenges and realise opportunities.
“For anyone who has been sitting on the fence about joining GB Potatoes I urge them to get on board.”
He added: “I am delighted to be joining GB Potatoes. It has achieved a lot in its first year and I am eager to use my experience to build on what has already been accomplished.
“It is important that the potato industry has its own strong clear voice and I look forward to making the industry’s voice heard.”
The GB Potatoes board said it was delighted to welcome Walker and looks forward to working with him “to develop the organisation’s strategic plans and day-to-day activity to benefit members and the industry at large”.
GB Potatoes chair Mark Taylor commented: “As we move into our second year of operation securing such a strong candidate as Scott will significantly move on our agenda and build on work already underway.
“We are delighted to have Scott on board and look forward to developing the remit, impacts and outputs from GB Potatoes. With a strong base in place, we see a very exciting 2024 ahead”.
