Lena Wilson named new Chief at Scottish Enterprise
Lena was appointed chief operating officer of Scottish Enterprise in 2005 and in May 2008, she took on the additional role of chief executive of inward investment and trade promotion body Scottish Development International. SDI is a joint venture between the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise. She will take over as chief executive from Jack Perry on November 4 and will then oversee Scottish Enterprise's £250m annual budget and 1100 staff.
Wilson said: "I am very proud to be a public servant, I think that is very important. The public sector really needs people with commercial acumen and commercial focus - that has been a strong part of my appointment. I have a lot of experience with business and working with business. "As chief operating officer of Scottish Enterprise, Wilson has played a key part in radical streamlining of the economic development agency.
Business leaders yesterday welcomed her appointment to the top post.
Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: "We are delighted that Lena Wilson has been appointed to this position.
"She has already proven her ability to initiate and drive forward a change agenda. With her obvious experience and expertise, she will be well placed to ensure that Scotland's economic agency is positioned and resourced to tackle the challenges ahead for all businesses in Scotland."
Lesley Sawers, chief executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, said: "Lena, through her leadership of SDI, has already demonstrated success in both representing Scotland's business interests globally and in attracting high-value investment to Scotland. Given the challenges facing Scotland, her leadership of the enterprise network will be vital in ensuring best value, focus and successful delivery for Scottish business, and we look forward to working with Lena and her team to deliver sustainable economic growth."
Iain McMillan, director of the Confederation of British Industry in Scotland, said: "This is an excellent appointment by the board of Scottish Enterprise. Lena Wilson has the experience, qualities and strong track record needed to lead Scotland's main economic development agency through the recovery and beyond. We look forward to working with her."
Peter Hughes, chief executive of industry body Scottish Engineering, said: "Scottish Engineering welcomes the appointment of Lena Wilson as the new chief executive of Scottish Enterprise. During her time as chief operating officer, she has shown excellent leadership and we look forward to working with her in the future."
FWB sourced a longlist of potential candidates for this appointment which included a mix of external and internal applicants. Five were selected to participate in the final interviews.