Quality Meat Scotland has confirmed two new appointments.
Suzanne Woodman is to take on the role of brands integrity manager.
Robert Gilchrist is to become a knowledge transfer specialist in the industry development team.
Both roles are new and have been created to match shifts in policy.
Ms Woodman will be responsible for managing and operating QMS’ six assurance schemes as well as developing the brands licensing scheme.
Originally from Castle Douglas, she lives in East Kilbride and has a French and business studies degree from Edinburgh University.
In 2009 she graduated from Strathclyde University with an LLB law degree and she also has a post-graduate diploma in European marketing and languages.
During her career she has held management roles for small and medium sized companies, and for the past six years worked at dairy co-operative First Milk where she most recently held the role of milk and ingredients planning manager.
Uel Morton, QMS chief executive, said Ms Woodman’s appointment followed a review and restructure of the industry development team in order to create greater focus on strategically important activities.
“QMS recently introduced the brands licensing scheme as an additional measure to further strengthen the checks already in place to protect the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork brands.
“Suzanne will play an instrumental role in working with farm assessors, secondary processors and other companies in the supply chain, to ensure the integrity of the Scotch brands,” he said
Mr Gilchrist, an agriculture graduate from the Scottish Agriculture College, Aberdeen, was most recently employed as a ruminant nutritionist with Richard Keenan (UK) Ltd, where he specialised in beef nutrition.
Mr Gilchrist, who is married to Rachel, a solicitor, and has two children, was brought up on his family’s cattle and sheep farm in the Carse of Gowrie.
In the early part of his career he worked with Ringlink (Scotland) Ltd as an area manager and then regional manager.
Mr Gilchrist’s role with QMS will involve the delivery of a range of activities aimed at improving the efficiency, productivity and profitability of beef and lamb for the Scottish red meat processing industry.
“Robert has a wide knowledge of livestock production as well as a great enthusiasm for Scottish farming, and I am delighted to welcome him to the team,” said Johnny Mackey, QMS head of industry development.
“Robert will play a key role in supporting and encouraging farmers to take steps to improve the management and technical performance of their businesses. The uptake of ‘proven solutions’ by farmers is crucial to the long-term sustainability of our industry,” he added.