FIS, the coalition of experts driving innovation for a prosperous and sustainable UK seafood industry, has announced that current Chair, John Goodlad, will be stepping down from the Board in December 2024. The charity, which is governed and funded by M&S, Sainsbury’s, Young’s Seafood, Seafish and the Fishmongers’ Company, is now seeking a new chairperson to lead the FIS Board of Trustees.
FIS is calling for applications from industry experts and experienced advocates for innovation and precompetitive collaboration, who will support FIS in its remit to facilitate, coordinate and leverage investment for innovation in UK seafood. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in Autumn, with the new Chair welcomed at the FIS AGM in December 2024.
This appointment of a new chair comes at a time of significant momentum for the charity, which last year expanded its remit across the UK while driving forward projects such as AI-empowered selective fishing gear, Smartrawl, and pioneering new designs for net zero fishing vessels.
John Goodlad has been Chair of FIS since its inception in 2014 and brought his wide experience within the seafood industry to this post.
On his decision to step down, Goodlad said:
“Chairing FIS has been a great honour and privilege. The scope of work that FIS is now undertaking on behalf of the UK fishing industry is quite remarkable. With the support of a great Board of Trustees and an excellent Executive Director, the new Chair will be well placed to take FIS forward.”
Executive Director of FIS, Kara Brydson, said:
“With John at the helm, FIS has leveraged more than £3 million in investment into innovation for sustainable UK seafood. The issues facing our industry today point to an even greater need for innovative thinking. We look forward to welcoming a new chair to champion innovation projects which will make the greatest positive change for the UK seafood industry and the people driving it.”
To learn more about the vacancy, see here, or get in touch with Kara Brydson.
