Pioneering biotechnology firm Horizon Proteins has appointed Iain Lochhead Chief Executive Officer in a boardroom reshuffle to support its growth plans.

The strategic changes will also see co-founder Nik Willoughby become Chief Technology Officer.

Horizon Proteins provide sustainability solutions by transforming underutilised whisky distilling co-products into cost-effective, high-quality nutrients for the aqua and animal feed industries.

The patented technology, which involves recovering protein from pot ale, liquid residue left over from the whisky-making process, is a crucial element in developing Scotland’s circular bioeconomy.

Former Bacardi UK operations director Iain Lochhead, who has over 20 years whisky industry experience, joined the company last year and has been providing strategic consulting.

Chairman Ian Hamilton said: “Iain’s appointment is tremendous news; he brings with him vast knowledge of the industry that will help us drive the business forward.

“He was immediately excited by our technology and understood how it can revolutionise the whisky industry while at the same time bring wider sustainability benefits.

“Iain has already had a positive impact, in particular expanding our discussions within the industry and it is exciting to have him on board.”

Every year, the malt whisky industry in Scotland alone produces around three billion litres of pot ale.

Horizon Proteins’ technology, which has undergone three large scale industrial trials, provides environmentally and economically sustainable methods to manage it. The protein content of pot ale made it nutritionally perfect as a feed for fish, and particularly species of salmon.

Nik Willoughby said: “The addition of Iain to the team is a clear signalling of our intent to show the market what Horizon Proteins can do.

“It also gives us greater capacity to explore other opportunities in this area, be dynamic and positively contribute to true sustainability both in Scotland and globally.”