NFU Scotland Appoints New Chief Executive
2011-08-22

NFU Scotland has appointed Scott Walker as its new Chief Executive. Scott has been with NFUS for 17 years and has progressed through a number of roles, starting as Commodity Director in 1994. He has headed up the Union’s Policy team as Policy Director since 2004.

Scott Walker

Scott succeeds James Withers who is leaving NFUS on 26 August after four years as Chief Executive to take up a position with Scotland Food and Drink. Scott will officially take up post in the next few weeks.

Announcing the appointment, NFUS President Nigel Miller said:

“I am delighted that, after what has been the most thorough and gruelling selection process, to announce the appointment of Scott Walker to this vital role within NFUS and Scottish agriculture.

“Some commentators may wonder why the process was required at all, when – for the second time in a row - the successful candidate was sitting in the same office. In order for the new Chief Executive, whoever he or she had turned out to be, to have credibility and a clear mandate, it was essential that they were the best of the best from a field of more than 40 candidates from the UK and beyond.

“There was some exceptional talent in the pool of external and internal candidates for the post but when we weighed up all the requirements we were looking for in a Chief Executive we realised that the exceptional talent we were looking for was, once again, within the office itself.

“Scott is that person, and he has my full support and confidence, along with that of the Presidential Team and the NFUS Board of Directors.”

Scott Walker said:

“I am delighted to be taking up this role and look forward to building upon the fantastic work that James has done.

“In today's changing economic environment it is important that Scottish agriculture has a strong voice in both political and commercial circles. NFU Scotland has built a strong and growing reputation for identifying workable and pragmatic solutions to the problems that face our members.

“Looking ahead, I am excited about being able to harness the talents and enthusiasm of the NFUS staff and our members in order to capture the commercial opportunities for Scotland's farming businesses that the growth in demand for quality food – both at home and abroad - will provide.”

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