New chair appointed for Seafish Wales Advisory Committee

Seafish has appointed Jon Parker as chair of the Seafish Wales Advisory Committee (SWAC), a position he will take-up with immediate effect.

Jon started his career in freshwater aquaculture and has since worked with a number of industry levy bodies, the civil service and private sector. With a background in economic development, he has also supported a number of new and established seafood businesses in Wales to grow and develop. Jon has been chair of the Seafish Processing and Importers Panel since 2015 and represents its interests on the Seafish Board.

The primary role of the SWAC is to ensure the effective delivery of Seafish services for the benefit of the Welsh sector across the supply chain. The Committee, made up of representatives of the Welsh industry from fishing and aquaculture, distribution and processing, to food service and retail, is responsible for advising the annual work programme for the Seafish team in Wales in line with the Seafish Corporate Plan for 2018 to 2021.

One of Jon’s first tasks will be to oversee the SWAC’s upcoming review of the Wales Seafood Strategy, which was developed by the SWAC together with Seafish and Welsh Government.

Marcus Coleman, CEO of Seafish said: “Following a recent recruitment process, we are pleased to announce that Jon Parker has been appointed as the new chair for our Advisory Committee in Wales. His wide ranging knowledge and experience will be hugely valuable as he steps into the role, and carries on from the sterling work of the outgoing Chair James Wilson, to deliver strategic objectives which will ensure there is a thriving, vibrant, safe, and sustainable seafood industry in Wales.”

Jon added: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of chairman for the Seafood Wales Advisory Committee and I’m looking forward to facilitating and promoting discussion amongst SWAC members on growth and development within the Welsh seafood sector.”

Source: Seafish