The Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) is recruiting for a new chief executive after James Graham announced his decision to step down.
Mr Graham, who has spent almost 21 years at the helm of the SAOS, the expert body for farming collaboration in Scotland, will leave the post next year.
Mark Clark, chair of SAOS and managing director of Grampian Growers, said: “Thanks to James, SAOS has a unique culture that embraces innovation, and he has attracted and retained an exceptional staff team.
“Over his tenure, the organisation has built on its core values of co-operation and collaboration, securing lead roles in supply chain development and the development of ScotEID, Scotland’s livestock traceability system. At the same time, SAOS’ strategic support and training services for agricultural co-ops have stepped up substantially.”
Mr Clark added: “James leaves SAOS in excellent shape for his successor and we now begin the search for that person. We’re looking for an action-orientated, strategic thinker, who is commercially-minded, practical and motivated to lead innovation in the industry.
“They will need to demonstrate that they can lead the strong SAOS team, and exert influence at this formative time for agricultural, food industry and rural policies.”
Mr Graham said he would continue to champion and influence the case for agricultural co-operation and supply chain collaboration in Scotland.
He added: “After a challenging, but rewarding, 20 years, it’s time for someone else to take lead responsibility at SAOS, but I look forward to supporting my successor in any way I can.”
