Travel and tourism chief Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel and Internova Travel Group’s leisure division, steps up from her role as SCC director to become vice president, alongside the current VP Doug Smith, a consultant with CBRE.

Liz McAreavey, chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, and Richard Muir, deputy chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, join the SCC board as directors.

The latest announcements follow Charandeep Singh BEM’s appointment as the new chief executive of SCC.

President Rodney Ayre said: “Our new Vice President and directors bring a wealth of experience from across different sectors. Their strategic insight will further strengthen our talented and dynamic team at a critical time when business confidence is falling to new lows and cost challenges continue to grow.

“Jacqueline is a hugely successful leader in the travel world, operating both here and in the US, and her industry expertise adds to the wide scope of the SCC’s board. Together with Liz and Richard’s key roles driving Edinburgh and Glasgow’s economy, we have powerful advocates for business-friendly policy changes.

“At a time when so many businesses are under significant pressure, it is vital that the voice of Scotland’s largest business organisation is heard loud and clear across the corridors of power at Westminster and particularly Holyrood, as the latter gears up for the elections in May.”

Ms Dobson is president of Barrhead Travel Group, one of the UK’s largest travel agencies. She was recently appointed to the executive leadership team of the group’s parent company, Internova Travel Group to head its US-based leisure division, The Vacation Group, and is past president of the Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA).

Ms Dobson said: “I’m honoured and proud to have been asked to become Vice President of SCC, particularly at such a pivotal time for Scotland’s businesses. Decisions being taken by governments in Holyrood and Westminster are having a direct impact on the survival of businesses in communities across Scotland.

“I welcome the opportunity to work closely with the SCC team to press both governments for the support our members need to deliver success both here and on the world stage.

“The SCC also shares my passion for mentorship, and I look forward to helping create more opportunities to inspire a new generation of future business leaders.”

Ms McAreavey has been chief executive of the Edinburgh Chamber since 2016, having been marketing & commercial director and director of operations previously. She was interim chief executive of Essential Edinburgh following a two-year spell as director of Business Development and Market Leadership at Ernst & Young.

Ms McAreavey said: “I’m delighted to join such a strong and influential board, and I look forward to working alongside my fellow directors to strongly advocate for much-needed government policy changes and investment to protect our struggling businesses and create the platform for growth.”

Mr Muir has been deputy chief executive of the Glasgow Chamber since 2012, overseeing commercial initiatives and working closely with local businesses, government agencies, and community organisations to promote the economic development of the Glasgow city region.

He has led successful trade missions with member companies to cities such as New York, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai & Bremen. Richard joined GCC as commercial director in 2009, having previously been marketing director for Radio Clyde and Radio Forth.

Richard Muir said: “I’m thrilled to be taking up the position and supporting the important role which SCC plays in influencing government on behalf of our 12,000 members, creating effective partnerships domestically and internationally, and helping businesses in Scotland through the local Chambers’ network.

“With taxation concerns growing and confidence falling, this is a key moment for SCC to ensure that Scottish businesses of all sizes, and across all sectors and regions, have the support needed to overcome these challenges.”

Mr Ayre added: “With new chief executive Charandeep Singh at the helm, the appointment of Jacqueline as Vice President, and both Richard and Liz adding their considerable insight and expertise, we are fired up and ready to make a positive difference for Scotland’s businesses, large and small, across every part of the country.”