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New 'jobs' agency chair unveiled New 'jobs' agency chair unveiled
(20 minutes later)
Businessman Crawford Gillies has been unveiled as the chairman of Scotland's main economic development agency. International businessman Crawford Gillies has been unveiled as the chairman of Scotland's main economic development agency.
The Scottish Government said his appointment to Scottish Enterprise was vital at a time of economic uncertainty. The Scottish Government said the appointment to Scottish Enterprise came at a time when the economy was facing unprecedented challenges.
Mr Gillies, a non-executive director of Standard Life, is a former chairman of CBI London.Mr Gillies, a non-executive director of Standard Life, is a former chairman of CBI London.
Ministers also said Gillies has not engaged in any political activity within the last five years. He will replace outgoing Scottish Enterprise chair Sir John Ward.
Announcing the appointment, Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "The appointment of Crawford Gillies is an excellent development for Scotland and the Scottish economy at a time when we all face the unprecedented challenges caused by the global downturn.Announcing the appointment, Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "The appointment of Crawford Gillies is an excellent development for Scotland and the Scottish economy at a time when we all face the unprecedented challenges caused by the global downturn.
The government has laid out a clear economic direction with some ambitious goals Crawford Gillies
"With a wealth of global business experience as an inspiring, energetic leader of people, Crawford is a world class appointment for the role.""With a wealth of global business experience as an inspiring, energetic leader of people, Crawford is a world class appointment for the role."
Mr Gillies, a Harvard Business School graduate, has held positions at a number of international organisations, including management consultants Bain.
He also holds chairmanships at international law firm Hammonds LLP and Touch Bionics, a Scottish based life sciences company.
Mr Gillies said he was excited to be taking on an "important and challenging role", adding: "The government has laid out a clear economic direction with some ambitious goals.
"Scottish Enterprise has a critical, focussed role to play in helping achieve these goals."
Mr Gilles will take over the Scottish Enterprise board room when Sir John steps down on 13 February for a three year term, which is extendable to a second term at ministers' discretion.
The government said the new chair, who will earn £38,721 a year for working 1.5 days a week, has not engaged in any political activity within the last five years.
Scottish Enterprise is the government's main agency for economic development in north east, central and lowland Scotland, while Highlands and Islands Enterprise serves the north.Scottish Enterprise is the government's main agency for economic development in north east, central and lowland Scotland, while Highlands and Islands Enterprise serves the north.