Photo: SPFA/X

CEO Designate Appointed at Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association

Industry leader Hannah Fennell to succeed long-serving chief Ian Gatt CBE following extended handover period

After 16 years as Chief Executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA), Ian Gatt CBE has announced his intention to retire, prompting the SPFA Board to appoint prominent Scottish fishing industry figure Hannah Fennell as CEO Designate.

Hannah Fennell will join SPFA on 3 February and will work closely with Ian Gatt over the next 12–18 months to ensure a smooth transition before formally taking over as Chief Executive.

Photo: SPFA

Now aged 64, Ian Gatt has guided SPFA through one of the most challenging periods faced by the Scottish pelagic fishing industry, including complex international quota disputes and increasing regulatory pressures. A former fishing skipper, he was awarded a CBE in 2024 in recognition of his long-standing commitment to representing and supporting the fishing sector.

At 33, Hannah Fennell brings extensive experience across fisheries policy, representation and management. She made history in 2023 as the first female President of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), a role she continues to hold. She served as Chief Executive of the Orkney Fisheries Association (OFA) from 2020 until September 2025, having previously worked as a researcher with Marine Scotland—now the Marine Directorate—and the OFA. Her wider industry roles include Chair of UK Women in Fisheries, trustee of Fishing into the Future, and she is currently completing a PhD in fisheries management.

Richard Williamson, Chair of SPFA, paid tribute to Ian Gatt while welcoming the new appointment.

“Ian has led our sector brilliantly during his tenure and we are delighted that he will continue to do so for the next 12–18 months to ensure Hannah is ready and well-equipped to take over the CEO role,” he said.

“Hannah’s appointment comes at a crucial time for pelagic fisheries, as the sector faces a raft of challenges—not only in fisheries management but also wider pressures such as the loss of vital fishing grounds to offshore renewable developments. She will hit the ground running given her leadership experience with both the Orkney Fisheries Association and as SFF President.”

Ian Gatt said he was greatly looking forward to working closely with Hannah Fennell during the transition period.

“We had an extremely productive working relationship when I was SFF President and Hannah was Vice-President. While the SPFA role will be new territory for her, she has tremendous abilities and I am confident she will quickly get to grips with the complexities and nuances of the pelagic sector.”

Responding to her appointment, Hannah Fennell said she was delighted to be taking on the role.

“The pelagic fleet is one of the UK’s most important and best-managed fishing sectors, and a vital part of the UK economy,” she said.

“My priority is to ensure the interests of pelagic fishermen are clearly and fully heard by policymakers and decision-makers, both domestically and internationally, while continuing to build on the excellent work already being carried out by SPFA and its members.”

“The Scottish pelagic fleet has a strong international reputation for responsible fishing and effective management, and I am very much looking forward to working with members, the Board and industry partners to build on that success.”

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