A SCOTTISH businessman who was one of the main driving forces behind the global growth of Walker’s Shortbread has died.
James Nicol Walker, known as “Jim”, died on Sunday in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary at the age of 80, his family have confirmed.
He played a major role in growing the shortbread company from a small family firm in Aberlour into a world-recognised brand, alongside his brother Joe.
Walker is survived by his wife Jennifer, who he has been married to for 45 years, as well as their children Jacqui, Jamie, Bryony, and Alastair as well as six grandchildren.
Born in Elgin on June 13, 1944, he spent his school years at Robert Gordon’s College before joining the family business as a teenager and was responsible for sales and marketing before leading the company as managing director.
He recently stepped aside from his main responsibilities in the business and took on an ambassadorial role, allowing the fourth generation of his family, including three of his children, to take on the management of the company.
His death follows that of his brother, Joe Walker, at age 83 in 2021, and his sister, Marjorie Walker, in October last year, also aged 83.
Alongside his siblings, Walker led the Scottish firm to become the largest family-owned biscuit manufacturer in the UK.
As part of a statement following his death, a spokesperson for Walker’s Shortbread said: “Beyond his professional legacy, Jim will be remembered for his warmth, humility, and generosity of spirit – a person who took genuine interest in others and who was well loved in the business and the wider community.
“Jim was enormously loved by many people around the world, especially colleagues and customers. He loved fishing on the River Spey, playing golf, and he had a keen interest in ornithology and nature, though his family, with four children and six grand-children, and business, have been his main interest and pleasures.
“He will always be remembered as a devoted, energetic and kind man who was an inspiration to many who knew him. We will honour his memory by continuing to uphold the values and legacy he built over a lifetime of dedication.”
