The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) is further strengthening the industry representation on its Board with two new appointments – Ben Hadfield, Managing Director of Marine Harvest Scotland Ltd, and Paddy Campbell, Managing Director of BioMar Ltd.

The new appointments, which take effect from 1 August 2016, will see the number of industry representatives on the SAIC Board increase from three to five.

Ben, who is also Chief Operating Officer of Marine Harvest’s fish feed segment and was formerly Production Director and Technical & HSEQ Manager at Marine Harvest Scotland, brings extensive production and technical experience.

Paddy, who held various senior level positions with BioMar – including Global R&D Director and R&D Manager of the company’s Salmon, Mediterranean and UK Divisions – before being appointed as Managing Director in June of this year, has in-depth knowledge of the development and production of high quality fish feeds.

As such, both new members have expertise that could prove invaluable in helping SAIC address its four priority innovation actions: improved sea lice control; alternative sustainable feeds for finfish; rapid detection methods for viral pathogens and diseases; and secure health-certified mollusc spat production systems.

Comments SAIC Chairman Jack Perry said: “SAIC is fortunate to have such a committed and industry-experienced Board. The appointment of Ben and Paddy consolidates this further, bringing new perspectives to the table and helping cement SAIC’s position as a driver of industry-led innovation.”

The new Board members are equally enthusiastic about applying their industry experience for the benefit of the wider sector. Says Ben: “Having been immersed in Norwegian aquaculture over recent years, I am excited to return to the Scottish sector and focus my efforts – both at Marine Harvest Scotland and as a member of the SAIC Board – on addressing the constraining factors that stand between the industry and its true potential.”

Adds Paddy: “I firmly believe that SAIC is the right model to help integrate pressing industry needs with applied R&D. Becoming a member of the Board is an opportunity to champion that model, contribute to its future direction and activities, and help ensure that more and more of Scotland’s aquaculture businesses benefit from the support on offer.” 

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