A well-known face in the Scottish beef industry has been named as the new chief executive of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society.
Johnny Mackey, who currently works as head of industry development at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), will replace outgoing chief executive Ron McHattie later this year.
Based at Blairgowrie in Perthshire, Mr Mackey has worked in various roles in the beef sector including working as a technical manager at QMS and serving as the Luing Cattle Society’s breed secretary.
He said: “The Aberdeen-Angus breed is well recognised around the world over and I believe UK Aberdeen-Angus breeders have a lot to offer the world, both in terms of genetics and management practice.
“I’m looking forward to working with our existing retail partners to further develop the market for UK Aberdeen-Angus beef and ensure a sustainable, profitable future for all involved with the breed, both at a pedigree and commercial level.”
The society’s president, David Evans, said: “Mr Mackey’s wide-ranging industry experience places him in an ideal position to help the breed capitalise on existing retail relationships at the same time as developing new partnership’s across the supply chain.
“I look forward to working with Johnny once he takes up his position and at this time would like to record the society’s thanks to Ron McHattie for all he has done for the breed in his time with the society.”
Mr Mackey will begin work at the society later this summer and work alongside Mr McHattie prior to his retirement in the autumn.
The society has also confirmed a change to the position of assistant breed secretary Neil Caul.
Mr Caul will now take on the role of breed services manager and help members with stock selection and herd management issues.