The hunt for a new chief executive to oversee Europe’s busiest whitefish harbour is underway.
Peterhead Port Authority have begun advertising for a “key decision maker” to replace outgoing boss John Wallace who announced his retirement last month.
The successful applicant will take the helm as the port steams ahead with a £50million modernisation scheme to deepen the harbour and build a new auction hall.
As the authority casts its net in the search for the perfect candidate, a job advert posted online makes it clear that any successful applicant will need to reside within 20 miles of the port.
With the fishing industry accounting for 60% of the harbour’s turnover, the new chief executive will need a keen interest and understanding of the huge challenges facing the sector.
Last year alone £170million of business passed through the harbour, and independent research has revealed that in the wider industry, the port supports 9,500 jobs and brings in £800million to the Scottish economy.
But as the authority looks ahead to future industries, Mr Wallace’s successor must also ensure Peterhead is “competitive in the oil and gas industry including decommissioning and renewables”.
Outgoing port boss John Wallace has served on the board for nearly a decade but has chosen to retire and will stand down in June next year.
The 64-year-old hopes to have secured funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) by then to pay for the latest redevelopment.
The scheme would allow the already booming harbour to attract even bigger boats and handle up to 9,000 boxes of fish at the market every day.
Mr Wallace has said that if the new auction hall and harbour deepening does prove to be his last hurrah, it will “future-proof” Peterhead port for generations to come.
Speaking when he announced his retirement, Mr Wallace added: “There are challenges every day in this business which is what has kept me here for 30 years. You never know what will cross your desk the next day. I’ve no fears my successor will be kept busy.
“Hopefully the project is up and running, contractors are on site and work is underway so I can drift off with my grandsons and enjoy their youth while I’m still able to do so.”