Our People

Heather’s role as SAIC CEO involves developing the organisation’s strategic vision, leading the executive team, ensuring a focus on delivery and outcomes, representing the organisation at national and international level, and maintaining an extensive network of relationships in aquaculture around the globe. She founded WiSA in 2019.

Teresa has a degree and PhD in biology and biochemistry from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. With previous experience in academia, she has now been working in the aquaculture industry for 12 years from both perspectives – producer and supplier. Her special area of interest, however, has always been fish health and disease prevention, with the view of making the industry more sustainable.

As Head of Skills and Talent, Jillian is responsible for leading the training and people-development programmes at SAIC. Jillian has a PhD in medical sciences from the University of Toronto in Canada and has spent her career working across disciplines in both academia and the innovation ecosystem. Jillian is passionate about encouraging and retaining women in science and engineering roles and will lead the mentoring programmes for WiSA.

Hazel has a degree in Business Languages and Business Management from Napier University and has 15 years of marketing and communications experience, specialising in events. She manages WiSA events, social media content, website and other communications support for WiSA, in addition to her role at SAIC. She is a member of the WiSA advisory group, providing strategic input on events and communications campaigns.

Matilda is the Veterinary Practice and Cleaner Fish Manager for Bakkafrost Scotland. Having previously lived on the Isle of Harris, the importance to Scottish communities of employment through aquaculture was made even clearer when she joined the industry as a newcomer in 2014. Matilda is passionate about providing inclusive and empowering spaces for girls and women.

Donald is a Charted Fellow of the CIPD with over 30 years' experience in developing people and talent acquisition. He is very excited to be part of the WiSA group and is looking forward to continuing to attract and develop women in aquaculture.

Dr Helena Reinardy is a marine biologist and ecotoxicologist with extensive experience in biology of fish and marine invertebrates applied to various industries such as aquaculture, fisheries, environmental risk and safety, industrial waste management, and regulatory toxicology.

Ingrid is Director of the Fair Food Hub at the Lyell Centre, Heriot Watt University. Her research focuses on improving social sustainability in seafood supply through improved gender equality, worker wellbeing and equitable governance. The Hub partners with policy and industry decision-makers as well as civil society to co-create solutions that promote long-term positive change in seafood structures, consumption and institutions.

Rhianna is a Scottish seaweed industry expert, researcher, and educator with several years’ experience working within the sector. Winner of Aquaculture UK’s Rising Star Award, she is passionate about the growth and expansion of the seaweed industry and its role in a rapidly developing blue economy. She is currently the Business Development Manager for the Scottish Seaweed Industry Association (SSIA) and the Seaweed Academy coordinator at SAMS.