Lord Smith of Kelvin named new chair of Scottish Enterprise

Lord Smith of Kelvin

One of the UK’s most experienced Chairs, having led organisations in the private, public and voluntary sectors, Lord Smith of Kelvin is was Chair of Weir Group until 2013 and SSE until 2015.

In 2014, he chaired the Organising Committee for Glasgow 2014 (Commonwealth Games) and the Smith Commission on further powers for the Scottish Parliament.

A Chartered Accountant by profession and former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, he was knighted in 1999, appointed to the House of Lords as an independent cross-bench peer in 2008, appointed Knight of the Thistle in 2013, and awarded the Companion of Honour in 2016.

As well as currently chair of the venerable Dundee-based investment firm Alliance Trust plc, he also holds similar positions at British Business Bank, IMI plc, Forth Ports Ltd and Clyde Gateway, as well as Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work, Derek Mackay MSP, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lord Smith of Kelvin into his new position as Chair of the Board of Scottish Enterprise.

“Scottish Enterprise plays a vital role in helping to place Scotland’s economy on an upward trajectory, and I know that Lord Smith’s wealth of experience will help ensure the organisation continues to thrive as they embark on their new programme of transformational change.

“I look forward to working together on our shared vision to increase Scotland’s export success, attract more investment and talent, and build a more economically vibrant country.”

Steve Dunlop, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lord Smith of Kelvin as the new Chair of Scottish Enterprise.

“Lord Smith’s appointment comes at a critical time not only for our organisation, but for the Scottish economy as we look to collaboratively drive a more inclusive economy that can deliver quality jobs for communities around the country.

“As one of the UK’s most experienced Chairs, Lord Smith will bring vast experience, talent and credibility, and without doubt will help us realise our ambitions – the team at Scottish Enterprise is very much looking forward to working with him.”

Steve added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Willie Mackie whose leadership has been incredibly valuable in helping set our transformation agenda.”

Lord Smith added: “I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed Chair of Scottish Enterprise.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the organisation following the publication of its ambitious new Strategic Framework and I am confident that my experience, both in business and the public sector boardroom, will help the committed and talented workforce to deliver for Scotland.

“I believe Scottish Enterprise is uniquely positioned to drive a fairer and more inclusive economy, one that will really help families and communities across the length and breadth of the country. I very much look forward to playing my part in helping to achieve that.”