The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) has appointed Hannah Fennell as CEO designate following the announcement that long-serving chief executive Ian Gatt CBE will retire after a handover period of up to 18 months.
Fennell will take up the role on 3 February 2026. She will work alongside Gatt before assuming the CEO position in full. Gatt has led the organisation for 16 years.
Leadership transition at SPFA
Ian Gatt, aged 64, said he intends to step down after guiding the association through a structured transition. He has overseen SPFA during years marked by international quota disputes and tighter regulation of the pelagic sector.
A former skipper, Gatt was awarded a CBE in 2024 for services to the fishing industry.
SPFA chair Richard Williamson said the board welcomed the appointment and praised Gatt’s leadership. He said the overlap period would ensure continuity at a challenging time for the sector, including pressures from offshore renewable developments.
Extensive fisheries experience
Hannah Fennell, 33, brings broad experience from across the Scottish fisheries sector. She became the first female president of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation in 2023, a position she still holds.
She previously served as chief executive of the Orkney Fisheries Association from 2020 until September 2025. Earlier roles include research posts with Marine Scotland (now the Marine Directorate) and the Orkney Fisheries Association.
Focus on representation and policy
Fennell said her priority will be to ensure the interests of pelagic fishermen are clearly represented to policymakers in the UK and internationally. She described the pelagic fleet as one of the UK’s most important and best-managed fishing sectors.
She added that she looked forward to building on SPFA’s and its members’ work during the transition and beyond.