Johnny Mackey has been announced as the new chief executive of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society.
Mr Mackey, currently head of industry development at Quality Meat Scotland, commences his role at the Society on the 1st October 2015.
Now based at Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Mr Mackey has been involved in the beef industry for much of his working life firstly with NFU Scotland and then as technical manager at QMS and as the Luing Cattle Society’s breed secretary after that.
Mr Mackey has also previously been a QMS board member prior to taking on his position as head of industry development. He was also a member of Brian Pack’s ‘Future of Farming in Scotland’ report team in 2011 and has been involved in a number of other industry roles, including being a director and latterly chairman of CHeCS Hi Health Herdcare cattle health scheme.
Commenting on his move the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society Mr Mackey said he was looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead. “The Aberdeen-Angus breed is well recognised 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.”
Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society president David Evans said Mr Mackey was the ideal candidate to lead the Society at an exciting time for the breed. “The Society is the fastest growing beef cattle Society in the UK and continues to outpace nearly all other Societies in terms of both pedigree and commercial cattle numbers.
“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.”
Alongside the appointment of Mr Mackey, the Society has also redefined Assistant Breed Secretary Neil Caul’s position, whereby he will be taking on the role of Breed Services Manager.
“As well as his existing role Neil will take on greater responsibility for helping members with their stock selection and other herd management issues and will oversee the wider range of services the Society will be offering.
“With the addition of Johnny Mackey and the enhancement of Neil Caul’s role, the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society has an extremely strong management team, befitting of the fastest growing beef breed Society in the UK,” added Mr Evans.