NFU Scotland announces new chief executive  

John Davidson, currently the deputy chief executive at Scotland Food & Drink, has been appointed the new chief executive of NFU Scotland – the 11th person to hold that role in the union’s 110-year history.

Prior to joining Scotland Food & Drink in 2020, Mr Davidson had a lengthy career in the Scottish government, including a spell as private secretary to former rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead.

See also: ‘Farming matters’ NFU Scotland tells new SNP leader

John Davidson © NFU Scotland

More recently, he was head of food and drink at the Scottish government, leading the development of a new strategy for the sector, which aims to strengthen the resilience of the entire Scottish industry and grow its value and reputation, domestically and internationally. 

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said Mr Davidson was the “stand-out” candidate, praising his “personality and leadership skills” and his “passion, energy, and vision for the organisation and for Scottish agriculture in general”.

Mr Davidson replaces Scott Walker, who stepped down from his post last year. He will start his new role at NFU Scotland in late June.