Walker’s Shortbread has named Bryony Walker as its new commercial director, joining the company’s board of directors with immediate effect.
As a fourth generation member of the Walker’s family, she joined the Speyside-based business in 2013 and has progressed through various positions culminating in her most recent as head of commercial strategy – a role she has held since January 2022.
She succeeds Steve McCarney who will transition to a part-time role but remain a director. Walker’s also announced that Bob Brannan’s position as company chairman concluded at the firm’s recent AGM.
Managing director Nicky Walker said that Bryony brings a “deep understanding of our family dynamic, our customers, the Walker’s brand and the challenges involved in the role”.
“Bryony’s fresh perspective in conjunction with the strong foundations already in place, will ensure commercial continuity for the business,” she added.
The MD also thanked McCarney for his “dedication and commercial expertise” over the past seven years which was “pivotal” in the brand relaunch and growth. The brand refresh was rolled out ahead of Christmas in 2020 with new packaging featuring a fresh take on the iconic tartan and an apostrophe added to the firm’s name, something that was described as a ‘subtle but significant’ change to emphasise that it is still a family run business.
Bryony Walker added: “Since joining the family business over a decade ago I have spent time understanding the intricacies of the business, our customers and the environment we operate it. I have enjoyed working closely with Steve with his support and leadership, and I am excited to be taking over from him as commercial director.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge as we build on the great work Steve has achieved, and to play a role in the next chapter of Walker’s following on from my father.”
Sir James Nicol Walker, who was known as Jim, served as joint managing director alongside his brother Joe. He passed away in December 2024 at the age of 80.
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