New appointments to the Seafish board
As a non-department public body, we carry out a wide range of activities to support a thriving seafood industry, working with the fishing industry and processors through to importers, retailers and food service providers.
Michael Sheldon, appointed as Seafish Chair, brings more than twenty years’ experience of the agri-food industry. Formerly Deputy Chair of Seafish, he is also board member on the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
![Photo of Mike Sheldon](/media/xjyjk00u/mikesheldon.jpg?rxy=0.6120780302692582,0.3743763536592659&v=1dade9f724d0ef0)
The newly appointed Deputy Chair of Seafish is Jeff Halliwell. He brings his experience of customer engagement groups, consumer watchdog and an extensive knowledge of the food and drinks sector.
The further five appointments as board members include Graham Black, who brings significant experience of working within government, including in his former role of Director for Marine Scotland.
Formerly board member of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), David Brooks has a firm understanding of the food and drink, healthcare, housing and technology sectors.
Heather Jones, who has thirty years’ experience in marine, fisheries and aquaculture science. Founder of the UK’s first industry-led aquaculture innovation body, Heather was formerly Deputy Director of Marine Scotland.
Nigel Edwards brings extensive experience of the seafood industry as a Director of Hilton Food Group plc who supply a wide range of proteins to partner retailers globally and is a member of the Strategic Industry Leaders Group for Defra's Seafood 2040 strategy.
Lastly, Harry Wick, who brings a wide knowledge of the fishing industry in Northern Ireland and a strong interest in the sustainability, safety and economic prospects of the UK catching sector.
These are ministerial appointments agreed by the four fisheries administrations, who jointly sponsor Seafish.
The recruitment was carried out in accordance with the Ministerial Code of Practice for Appointments to Public Bodies. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, there is a requirement for the political activities of appointees to be made public. None of the appointees have declared any significant activity.
Follow this link to read the biographies of the new board members on our Seafish Board web page.