The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Chairman of family firm to step down
Alastair Macphie is stepping down as chairman of Aberdeenshire food firm Macphie. After 17 years in the role Mr Macphie, great-nephew of the company’s founder, is handing over the reins after watching “amazing” growth at the business.
Family-owned Macphie makes products used by bakers, pubs, restaurants, hotels, ready-made food firms and caterers worldwide at its facilities in Glenbervie near Stonehaven and Tannochside, North Lanarkshire.
Mr Macphie joined the business in 1987, taking over from his late father as MD in 1995.
In 2007 he was made chairman and went on some years later to appoint the firm’s first non-family managing director.
The firm was founded in Glasgow as a wholesale business by Alister Macphie, Alastair’s greatuncle, in the 1920s. It moved into manufacturing in the 1970s.
The outgoing chairman said: “It 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.
“In recent years we’ve strengthened our leadership team with several key appointments, 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.”
The firm employs 250 people and generates annual revenue of more than £70 million.
Mr Macphie will continue
to chair the family’s nonfood businesses and he also holds several non-executive directorships.
Norman Soutar, who first joined the business as a non-executive director in 2022, will take up the role of chairman on April 1.
Mr Soutar has worked in the food sector for more than 30 years and held leadership positions at companies including Baxters, Auntie Bessie’s and William Jackson Food Group.
He said: “I’ve known Macphie for many years. I’m delighted to take up this appointment and look forward to supporting the business with its ambitious plans.”