New year, new leadership for SWA

Colin Smith assumed full responsibility for Scottish Wholesale Association from 31 December

Smith, who was appointed as chief executive (designate) in the summer, has been working closely with outgoing executive director Kate Salmon in order to ensure a smooth handover when she steps down from the role at the end of February after leading the SWA for 35 years. She will continue to work for the SWA on a consultancy basis.

“Working alongside Kate over the last few months has helped me get to grips with the plethora of challenges facing our members and suppliers,” said Smith. “Wholesale is a vibrant industry offering great career opportunities and it provides suppliers with an excellent opportunity to tap into the strong route to market that our members’ independent retail and foodservice customers offer – I am looking forward to helping our sector grow and evolve, and giving wholesale a stronger voice.”

“What is also clear is that a collaborative approach is often the best way forward when debating the key issues affecting the wholesale industry and the wider food, drink, retail and tourism sectors – and SWA is very much at the forefront of all of these important discussions.”

“It has been important for Colin to benefit from Kate’s experience and vast knowledge of the Scottish wholesale sector,” said Julie Dunn, SWA president. “He is now ready to move our association forward as we support our members in times of change both within the trade and on the political landscape.”

Colin Smith Julie Dunn Kate Salmon Scotland Scottish Wholesale Association SWA wholesale