The appointments were made by the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn MSP, ahead of the retirement of Jacqueline Redmond and Jonathan Taylor.

Richard Hope has more than 25 years of experience investing in private markets. He is global co-head of investments and head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Hamilton Lane, where he co-chairs the investment committee.

Before joining the investment manager, Hope worked as a director at Alliance Trust Equity Partners and at Noble Fund Managers, where he was responsible for making and managing UK-based regional venture and growth capital investments.

Dr James McCourt was a member of the group executive committee at Royal London until he retired as Group Chief Risk Officer in September 2026. He was responsible for defining and executing the Group’s risk management strategy.

Throughout his 35-year career in financial services, McCourt held senior roles in banking, asset management, pensions and insurance. Before joining Royal London Group, he held senior risk and investment roles at Royal Bank of Scotland and Aegon’s Positive Solutions, and he is a former lecturer in investment and taxation at the University of Glasgow’s School of Law. He holds a PhD in financial markets from the University of Edinburgh.

Lynne Rennie-Smith is a former chief people officer in the financial services sector, with more than 35 years in the industry. She held senior roles at Tesco Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank Ireland and Nationwide Building Society. At Nationwide, she developed innovative, practical and people-focused strategies to improve business performance.

The appointments come as Jacqueline Redmond and Jonathan Taylor retire from the Bank’s board. Both were appointed when the Bank launched in November 2020 and are retiring at the end of their terms.

Chair of the Scottish National Investment Bank’s board, Willie Watt, said: “It is my honour to welcome Lynne, Richard and James to the board. The depth and breadth of their collective experience will be a significant asset to the Bank as we enter our seventh year and the next phase of our growth.

“I would also like to express my deep appreciation to Jacqueline and Jonathan. Their commitment, insight and guidance have made a significant contribution to the Bank’s work. I am grateful for the support they have provided and wish them well.”