Seafish appoints Barry Harland as Director of Operations

Barry joins Seafish from Whitby Seafoods, where he is Head of Organisational Development and Culture. He will take up his new post on Monday 6 July.

Seafish Chair Mike Sheldon said: “Barry brings great commercial experience, extensive knowledge of the seafood sector, proven leadership and a whole lot of energy and good humour. We are delighted that he will be joining our team.”

Barry Harland said: “I’m excited to be joining Seafish and looking forward to working with colleagues and stakeholders across the seafood sector. It’s a great opportunity to support an industry I care about, strengthen the work that helps businesses succeed and contribute to something that makes a real difference for coastal communities.”

Barry has more than 20 years of leadership experience across the UK seafood and food sectors. At Whitby Seafoods he has held senior roles spanning Organisational Development & Culture, Responsible Business, Continuous Improvement and Technical, giving him a strong understanding of processor operations, supply chains and the day‑to‑day realities of the seafood industry. Before that, he spent 12 years with McCain Foods in senior manufacturing and transformation roles.

He has also contributed to wider industry and public‑value work, serving as Chair of the Whitby Town Deal Board, a Director of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain and a member of the Steering Committee for the UK Seafood Innovation Fund.

ENDS