Scotland Food & Drink (SFD) has named Dennis Overton (pictured) as its new Chairman, effective from April 1.
He succeeds David Kilshaw, who retires from the role after a three-year stint. Overton has spent three years as Scotland Food & Drink’s Vice Chair and is one of the founding directors of the organisation. He has been on the board since 2007.
Overton co-founded Scottish seafood business Aquascot in 1987. He chaired the UK Soil Association from 2014 to 2017 and was awarded an OBE in 2014 for contributions to economic development in the Highlands and Rwanda.
Following his appointment, Dennis Overton said: “Our food and drink industry has gone from static growth 10 years ago to becoming the best performing sector in Scotland’s economy. David Kilshaw’s leadership has been central to that. He had a vision for a collaborative leadership body, to forge a deep partnership cross industry and the public sector and drive a new era of growth.
“We have seen that vision become a reality in recent years and we have the strongest ever platform to now build on.”
Despite the as-yet-unknown consequences of Brexit looming large, Overton is optimistic SFD’s new ‘Ambition 2030’ strategy will give the Food and Drink industry a massive boost.
“Ambition 2030 charts a path to doubling the size of our sector by 2030 and making it a force for good across Scotland’s economy, environment and communities. I look forward to working with the Board, staff team and our partners to delivering on that ambition.”
