Nicky Walker was appointed managing director of Walker’s Shortbread Ltd., effective immediately, the board of the company announced. Walker has been with the company for 25 years. He joined the board in 2007 as production director and has been instrumental, working alongside his late father, Joseph, in developing Walker’s facilities in Aberlour and Elgin. Joseph Walker founded the company when he opened his village bakery in 1898.

Nicky commented, “It is an enormous honor to be given this responsibility to lead the family business. As joint-managing directors, my father and my uncle James transformed what was a village bakery into an internationally-renowned business and brand. Working with other members of the fourth generation and an outstanding Board and management team, I am confident we will achieve great success together.”

A further step into the fourth-generation ownership of the company, Bryony Walker (daughter of Jim Walker, former joint-managing director) has been appointed to the company’s Executive Committee in the role of head of commercial strategy, reporting to commercial director Steve McCarney. Jim Walker is stepping aside from day-to-day responsibilities after 60 years of active service but will continue as a director and will represent the company as an ambassador.

Jim Walker commented: “I am delighted that my nephew Nicky is taking on the position of managing director. His late father and I shared this role for almost 60 years, working closely with our sister Marjorie and it is very rewarding to be passing the reins to the next generation who are ably supported by a fantastic Board and professional management team”.