SNFU appoints new chief executive


05 May 1998


SNFU appoints new chief executive

By FWi staff

THE Scottish National Farmers Union has appointed Ed Rainy Brown, 48, as its new chief executive.

Mr Rainy Brown has held the same position with the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS), an umbrella body representing Scotlands 100 farm co-operatives, for the past 14 years.

George Lyon, SNFU president, said the appointment would herald the start of extensive and fundamental changes in the way the union operates. Mr Rainy Brown is expected to take up the post from the middle of next month.

The chief executives position was made available following the shock resignation of Tom Brady in December last year. Mr Brady, and president Sandy Mole, both left the SNFU within a week of each other following criticism from grassroots members that the unions leadership was out of touch with farmers.

In January, the SNFU appointed an independent consultant to look at the unions administration at all levels. One of the consultants tasks was to help choose incoming office-bearers.

“Since December, we have managed to stabilise the Unions position. And now that we have a new chief executive ready to take up his post, we can start to bring about extensive and fundamental change in the way our Union operates,” Mr Lyon said.

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