Horizon
Proteins a spin-out from Heriot-Watt
University Edinburgh has appointed Iain Lochhead Chief
Executive Officer.

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."
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