Australian Aquaculture Industry Body Salmon Tasmania appoints John Whittington as new CEO

Salmon Tasmania, the leading aquaculture industry body in Australia, has recently announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of John Whittington as their new CEO. Whittington will be taking over from Luke Martin, who has been at the helm for the past two years.

The chairman of Salmon Tasmania, Lyall Howard, expressed his confidence in Whittington’s appointment, highlighting his extensive executive experience and in-depth knowledge of the industry’s regulatory landscape. Whittington brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as the secretary of Tasmania’s department of primary industries, water, and environment, as well as currently holding the position of CEO at the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre.

With a background in scientific research fields, Whittington is well-equipped to lead Salmon Tasmania into the future. His appointment is expected to take effect in the coming months.

Howard commended outgoing CEO Luke Martin for his strong leadership during challenging times, including navigating the issues surrounding the Macquarie Harbour situation. Martin’s advocacy and support for the industry and local communities have earned him the respect of colleagues across the sector.

The leadership transition comes at a crucial time for the industry, with ongoing challenges such as fish mortality events and increased scrutiny ahead of the federal election. Despite these challenges, Salmon Tasmania remains optimistic about the future under Whittington’s leadership, describing him as a credible and capable figure to guide the sector forward.