Denton announces retirement from Loch Duart
Alban Denton, managing director of salmon farmer Loch Duart, has announced his retirement from the post after five years with the Scourie-based company.
Denton committed to the company for five years when he joined in 2015 and his retirement will be effective from the end of this year, Loch Duart said in a press release.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and the success we have had over the past five years,” said Denton. “As managing director of a tremendous company, brand and team it has been a privilege to be part of the story that is Loch Duart. I wish the board, the executive and all my colleague employees great success in the future.”
‘Positive impact’
Chairman Alistair Erskine, speaking on behalf of the board said: “We would like to thank Alban for his energy, resilience, commitment and positive impact on the business and the wider industry throughout his service. There can be no doubting that the Loch Duart of today is a much stronger business than when Alban joined us.”
Finance director Simon Maguire will act as interim managing director with immediate effect, while the board recruits a successor.
In August Denton was named by British Airways as one of “the 100 makers of Modern Britain”, alongside the likes of Olympic gold medallists Amy Williams, Nicola Adams and Anthony Joshua, astronaut Helen Sharman, and Oscar-winning actors Gary Oldman and Olivia Colman.
‘Somewhat of a rock star’
Describing Denton, the airline said: “Somewhat of a rock star in the Scottish food industry, entrepreneur Alban has held director-level positions at Warburtons and Kettle Produce. Now, as managing director of Loch Duart – which counts chefs Raymond Blanc and Rick Stein as fans – he is setting the standards for sustainability in the salmon farming business.”
Under Denton’s leadership Loch Duart was also named Exporter of the Year in the 2019 Made in Scotland Awards. Export sales increased by 68% in the last two financial years. The company now exports around 70% of the 5,000 tonnes a year of Atlantic salmon it produces in Sutherland and the Uists.
