Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is on the hunt for a new chief executive following the announcement yesterday that Uel Morton will step down from the role later this year.
Mr Morton, who has served in chief executive roles in the Scottish food and drink industry for the past 20 years, has been at the helm of the red meat levy body for the past 11 years. The organisation, which promotes the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork brands, said a recruitment process to find a new chief executive would begin in the coming weeks. Mr Morton will step down this summer once his replacement has been found.
Mr Morton, 59, said: “The decision to step down is not one I have taken lightly. I have huge pride in the breadth of activities – from marketing and education to industry development, quality assurance and economic analysis – which the small team of QMS staff delivers.
“I have been privileged to play a role in the development of Quality Meat Scotland during the past decade and I am 100% confident the organisation will continue to go from strength to strength and rise to every challenge and opportunity in the years ahead.”
He said he planned to retain an active role in the Scottish food and drink industry following his departure from QMS, including consultancy and non-executive work.
QMS chairman, Jim McLaren, paid tribute to Mr Morton.
He said: “QMS is very much indebted to Uel for his hard work, commitment and attention to detail over the past 11 years.
“When he steps down later this year he will leave the organisation in a very strong position for his successor to take forward and we wish him every success for the future.”