Scottish Meat Wholesalers Association Executive
SAMW is run by an elected executive of a President and a Board of Directors made up of 20 members. Board representatives are drawn from businesses large and small throughout Scotland, meeting regularly to discuss current issues and make policy decisions. The Association’s day-to-day affairs are handled by the Executive Manager.
SAMW President – 2023
Ian Bentley
Ian Bentley was elected as president of SAMW during the association’s annual meeting on May 31, 2022, bringing 30 years of food retail and meat sector experience to the role.
Ian’s food retailing career culminated in a senior management role in the Marks and Spencer Food Division, which included spells of responsibility for the organisation’s meat category.
He is currently a non-executive Director of Scotbeef Ltd., Bridge of Allan, as well as being a board member of both QMS and BMPA.
Ian joined SAMW’s Executive Council in 2021, contributing to the leadership of the organisation under the presidency of Alan McNaughton, who stepped down at the 2022 AGM after conpleting his second term as the Association's elected leader.
SAMW Vice President – 2023
Alan Brown
Alan Brown, site director at the McIntosh Donald factory based at Portlethen, Aberdeen, was elected as Vice-President of the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers on 31 May.
Alan has worked for the Kepak Group, who own McIntosh Donald, for 26 years, filling a range of management roles across locations in Scotland, England and Ireland, before returning to his native Aberdeen four years ago to run the Portlethen business. His early meat trade career also included stints working for John Munro in Dingwall and Buchan Meat in Turriff.
SAMW Executive Manager – 2023
Scott Walker
Scott Walker joined SAMW as Executive Manager on April 24, 2023.
Scott, who was previously the chief executive of NFU Scotland for 11 years, has a deep knowledge of Scottish food and farming and a thorough understanding of the red meat sector.