Whitehead joined Seafish in 2002 as deputy chair of the board, becoming chairman in June 2010.
In that time he helped successfully negotiate Seafish through its most difficult period of operation after a challenge to its status was taken all the way to the Supreme Court in 2010.
Challenging decade
Following the successful resolution of the legal case, Whitehead steered Seafish through a challenging decade for the fishing industry that was faced with fluctuations in raw material prices combined with inadequate quotas.
Whitehead spent his whole life working in the food industry, latterly as md of Dundee-based food manufacturer Top Hat Holdings. He also served on the boards of other public bodies including the levy funded Meat & Livestock Commission and Food from Britain,
He is also currently chairman of the Certification Council of Scottish Food Quality Certification, a trustee of the Food and Drink Exporters Association and has a number of non-executive roles in the food industry.
“Sadly missed”
Dr Paul Williams, chief executive of Seafish, said: “Seafish would not be in the positive position it is today without John and we owe him a debt of gratitude for the way he stood by and supported the organisation through its darkest time.
“His chairmanship, guidance and diplomacy will be sadly missed and we wish him well with his next endeavours,” he added.