NFU Scotland on the hunt for new chief executive officer

NFU Scotland has appointed executive research specialist Carlyle Associates in its bid to recruit a new chief executive officer, following Scott Walker’s resignation last month after 11 years in the post.

In an update to members, NFU Scotland (NFUS) president Martin Kennedy said the search for a new chief executive was already underway.

He added that the organisation’s board of directors had appointed director of policy Jonnie Hall as general manager in the interim period until the post was formally filled.

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He also confirmed that the position of company secretary would be undertaken by NFUS treasurer Rupert Shaw.

National operations manager James Buchanan would continue to focus on growing this side of the union’s activities in conjunction with the  group secretary network. 

“The next few years will undoubtedly continue to bring challenges to our industry, and as the leading lobbying organisation for agriculture in Scotland, our job is to turn these challenges into opportunities whereby agriculture is properly recognised for all that it delivers,” said Mr Kennedy.

“Whoever is appointed as our new chief executive will have a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in not only driving that message home but also to work with a great team of people to grow the business of NFU Scotland.”