QMS Appoints New Head of Industry Development

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has appointed Johnny Mackey as its new head of industry development.

Mr Mackey (37), who takes over the reins from Andy McGowan, is currently breed secretary for the Luing Cattle Society based at Wester Drumlochy, near Blairgowrie.

After graduating with a degree in Biological Sciences of Agriculture from Aberdeen University, he started his career with NFU Scotland as a graduate trainee. Mr Mackey has since held a number of influential posts in the industry, having been a director of Perth & Kinross Countryside Initiative, a director of Highland Glen Producers and Chairman of the HiHealth Herdcare advisory board as well as an adviser to the Pack Inquiry.

Mr Mackey, who is married to Suzie, a vet, and has three children, has also served on the QMS board since April 2011. He will step down from this role prior to taking up his position as a member of QMS staff at the start of January 2014.

Uel Morton, QMS Chief Executive, said the announcement of Mr Mackey’s appointment followed a rigorous recruitment process which generated a high standard of applications.

“Johnny brings a wealth of experience, as well as core skills, to the role and we look forward to him joining our staff team in the new year,” said Mr Morton.

“QMS recently announced plans to sharply focus our industry development activities and budget on grassroots activities aimed at improving the efficiency, sustainability and confidence of the Scottish red meat industry.

“Feedback from our levy payers and other key players in the Scottish red meat industry about this decision has been very positive and we welcome this support and recognition that the uptake of proven solutions by producers is crucial to the long-term sustainability of our industry.

“It also gives QMS – staff and board – a very positive signal of the receptiveness of the industry to the raft of opportunities which exist to improve efficiency.

“Johnny’s passion, enthusiasm and commitment will, I am certain, make a very important contribution to the future successful delivery of our industry development activities,” said Mr Morton.