Known simply as ‘Jim’, he transformed his family’s humble bakery into a global brand while remaining committed to his roots in Scotland’s Speyside region.
Born on 13 June 1944 in Elgin to James and Winnie Walker, he grew up in a close-knit family with siblings Joe and Marjorie. After attending Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen, he joined the family bakery in Aberlour, immersing himself in every aspect of its operations. From kneading dough to managing accounts, he learned the craft inside and out before finding his true calling as the company’s first salesperson.
Building an iconic brand across the world
Over the next six decades, Jim and Joe Walker (acting as joint MDs) grew Walker’s Shortbread from a small local bakery into the UK’s largest family-owned biscuit manufacturer, exporting to around 100 markets worldwide and employing approximately 1,500 staff at peak times across its six Speyside factories.
By 2023, the company had achieved a £184m in turnover – a far cry from the £40,000 it earned and 16-strong workforce when Sir Jim first joined. Under his leadership, the company became the only UK food manufacturer to have won the Queen’s Award for Export on four occasions. Additionally, it was granted the Royal Warrant for the supply of oatcakes to the Queen in 2001 and for shortbread in 2017.
Walker’s contributions earned him widespread recognition. He was appointed CBE in 1999 for services to industry and served as Deputy Lieutenant of Banffshire for over 20 years. In 2022, he was named within the prestigious Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood in Queen Elizabeth II’s last Birthday Honours list in recognition of exceptional services to the food industry. He was subsequently invested by King Charles III at the Palace of Holyrood, Edinburgh and earlier this year, received the Wallace Award from the American Scottish Foundation for his contributions to transatlantic relations. Despite these honours, Sir Jim remained a humble and approachable man, always quick to credit his team and community for their role in Walker’s success.
Beyond the bakery, Sir Jim was a man of many passions. He found peace fishing on the River Spey, joy in golf and a fascination for ornithology, treasuring the wildlife of his native Scotland. Yet his greatest pride lay in his family. Married to Jennifer for 45 years, they had four children – Jacqui, Jamie, Bryony and Alastair – and six grandchildren. He was especially proud to see his children carry on the Walker’s legacy, ensuring the business remains a family affair.
Sir Jim Walker’s life was defined by humility, perseverance and love for the craft he dedicated himself to perfecting. He was admired not only for his business acumen but also for his kindness and integrity. Colleagues, customers and friends described him as a man who valued relationships above all else. His handshake was as good as a promise and his warmth left a lasting impression on all who met him.
His legacy lives on in Walker’s Shortbread, a brand that remains a symbol of quality and Scottish tradition.