Mr Gibson stepped down as non-executive chairman of the SSPO after almost two years in the post, due to an increased workload and an expanding role at the Scottish Association of Marine Science.

While in the part-time position with SSPO, Mr Gibson has been influential in ensuring that the salmon farming industry has received recognition for its "vital" contribution to the social, economic and nutritional wellbeing of Scotland within local and national governments, as well as the various regulators and stakeholders.

Alan Balfour of Sutherland based Loch Duart Ltd and an SSPO Board member, paid tribute to Mr Gibson’s contribution: “Michael has played a significant part in the industry’s development over the last couple of years. We thank him for his support, his independence of mind and his constructive challenge to the board. During his time in office he has significantly helped to position the industry as one of Scotland’s foremost food producing sectors in rural Scotland.”

Mr Gibson said: “My involvement with the salmon sector has reinforced in me its importance to Scotland and I shall continue to make sure it is properly recognised by a wide group that can influence its future development.”

Professor Phil Thomas will take up the position with immediate effect. Welcoming the new chairman, Mr Balfour added: "I am very happy to welcome Phil as non-executive chairman of SSPO.

“He has shown excellent leadership as chairman of the Code of Good Practice Management Group for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture, and his wide involvement with various boards in the areas of food, environment and rural development will provide essential continuity as the SSPO forges ahead with its priority areas.”

Prof. Thomas said: “I am delighted at the prospect of having an increased involvement with the salmon industry. Aquaculture makes such a huge contribution to Scotland’s food sector and to the rural economy – and I have had a long-standing personal and professional interest and involvement in both.”

Prof. Thomas’s career has included a range of experience in research, technology transfer, education, management and consultancy. He is co-author of several books and over 200 other publications.

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