Chris Ranford appointed as new CFPO CEO

The Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation (CFPO) has announced the appointment of Chris Ranford as its new CEO.

He replaces Paul Trebilcock, who announced his departure from the post in June, after leading the CFPO for nearly 20 years, to take up a new role in the fishing industry.

Chris Ranford is a well-known figure in the South West industry. A self-employed fisheries consultant, he is currently working on projects with Seafood Cornwall and the Fathom podcast.

In its July 2021 newsletter, the CFPO said: “Whilst we’re sad to see Paul go, we’re delighted to welcome Chris Ranford as the new CEO, who’s already taken on the development of a new Cornish fishing strategy, hosting a workshop with DEFRA officials in Newlyn.”

In a letter to the CFPO, Paul Trebilcock wrote: “As I am sure you will have heard, I will be leaving my role as chief executive of the CFPO in a few weeks’ time, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your absolutely fantastic support, genuine and often robust conversations and your confidence in me during my time with the PO.

“It is hard to believe I have been here for nearly 20 years, and I am immensely proud of what the CFPO has achieved during that period. It is a fact that the CFPO is one of the strongest and most well-respected fishing organisations in the UK, and that is largely down to you as proactive and passionate members.

“The CFPO was built on the solid foundation of inshore Cornish fishing, and has developed over the years, as fishing has around Cornwall and beyond, into the organisation you are part of today. The CFPO has remained true to its ethos of being a fishermen’s organisation – the view and influence of inshore handline members being equal to that of beam trawler owners. The Cornish motto onen hag oll [one and all] epitomises and is the core strength of this organisation, and in my opinion should always be the heart of the CFPO.

“My time with the CFPO has been challenging, rewarding, educational and there have been plenty of ups and downs, but most of all I want you to know it has been an absolute privilege to have been chief executive of the CFPO. I have lived and breathed the CFPO for the last 20 years, and hopefully I have made a positive contribution during that time.

“It is clear that the fishing industry is going through a massive period of change, not least with Brexit and Covid dominating in recent years and months. There will be undoubtedly more change and challenges to come as the UK adapts to a new era as an independent coastal state outside of the EU, so perhaps this might be an opportune moment for change for the CFPO in terms of leadership and fresh energy, and I am sure Chris will bring that and more.

“It is time for a new challenge for me, but I want to be clear that I remain a strong supporter of the CFPO and for what it stands for, and hope to remain actively involved for years to come.”

This story was taken from the latest issue of Fishing News. For more up-to-date and in-depth reports on the UK and Irish commercial fishing sector, subscribe to Fishing News here or buy the latest single issue for just £3.30 here.