THE chairman of the Scottish food ingredient firm Macphie is stepping down this spring.
After 17 years as chairman, Alastair Macphie, great nephew of the companyās founder, is stepping down from the role.
Alastair will continue as a non-executive director though, where his knowledge of the business will add value to the long-term capital investment decisions.
Alastair Macphie joined the business in 1987, taking over from his late father as managing director in 1995.
In 2007 he was made chairman and went on some years later to appoint the firmās first non-family managing director.Ā
In 1995, Macphieās turnover was Ā£14m and since then has grown to current year revenues exceeding Ā£73m, delivering record growth over the last three years.
Alastair Macphie said: āIn four years, Macphie will mark 100 years in business. This is a remarkable achievement and one we look forward to celebrating.
āIt has been 29 years since I first took on the role of managing director and it has been amazing watching the company grow.
“Despite the recent challenges, last year we reported record sales, double-digit growth, and healthy profitability.
āIn recent years weāve strengthened our leadership team with several key appointments ā including my nephew Ed Widdowson as strategy, people and sustainability director – to lay the foundations for the next 100 years.
“Ed is the fourth generation of the family to be involved in the business.ā
Alastair continued, āI indicated to the board some time ago my ambition to step down this year and weāve been working at getting the business into great shape with strong leadership and a clear growth strategy; with that in place, now is the right time to make this transitionā.
Macphie CEO Andy Stapley said: āAlastair has been a reassuring constant at Macphie, providing wise counsel, dedication and passion for the business and our people.
āHe has overseen huge changes in the company, investing in the manufacturing capability and our people, making sure the business stays ahead of its time, leading on sustainability and meeting the changing needs of our customers.ā
Alastairās stepping down follows last yearās completion of a Ā£5m refurbishment of its Glasgow factory, while plans are advancing for major upgrades to its Glenbervie facility.
As of 1 April, Norman Soutar will take on the role of chairman, with Andy Stapley, who has been in post since 2018, as CEO.
Soutar first joined the business as a non-executive director in late 2022.
Soutar has had a highly successful executive career in the food sector, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience with household names such as Baxters, Auntie Bessieās, and William Jackson Food Group.
Soutar said: āIāve known Macphie for many years, and Iām delighted to take up this appointment and look forward to supporting the business with its ambitious plans.ā