Scottish Enterprise chief to quit

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The head of Scotland's main economic development agency is to stand down.

Jack Perry, 54, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, will stay in the job he has held for five and a half years until a successor is found.

Mr Perry said the job had been the most "challenging, fascinating and rewarding" of his career.

He has overseen radical change to the way it operates, including shedding what was seen as its "social" role in helping people into the workforce.

The skills and careers element, including more than 1000 careers advisers, has been split from Scottish Enterprise and is now part of the Skills Development Scotland quango.

Jack has overseen substantial changes across the organisation and will leave the agency leaner and fitter Crawford GilliesChairman, Scottish Enterprise

That is now the lead agency handling the pressure of rising unemployment.

Local enterprise companies (Lecs) have been wound up with some roles handed over to councils.

Under Mr Perry, Scottish Enterprise focussed on supporting the 2000 companies with the best growth potential, while maintaining and expanding its role in attracting inward investment to Scotland.

Its technology innovation units, known as Intermediate Technology Institutes, were centralised and the spending on innovation is being scaled back, to focus instead on commercialisation.

One of the areas stressed under Mr Perry's leadership has been life sciences, forming alliances with international bio-science companies and Scottish universities.

The agency covers most of the Scottish population, including the north-east, while Highlands and Islands Enterprise covers the north-west.

Financial overstretch

The process of slimming down Scottish Enterprise, including the loss of around 1000 staff and a move from its former Clydeside headquarters, followed sustained criticism of its management by Scottish National Party MSPs while they were in opposition.

Part of that criticism was due to financial overstretch, and ministers moved swiftly after the last election to require change from the agency.

There was also criticism of Mr Perry for drawing a salary now close to £250,000, despite having lost much of his former responsibilities.

His budget this year has fallen to £319 million, of which £250m is in Scottish Government grant.

Mr Perry told Scottish Enterprise of his resignation at its board meeting on Friday.

He said: "It has been a privilege to have served Scottish Enterprise, its customers and its people for the past five and a half years.

The agency's focus has changed and costs cut under Mr Perry

"My time here has been some of the most challenging, fascinating and professionally rewarding of my entire career."

Mr Perry added: "I remain fully committed to Scottish Enterprise.

"We have an ambitious business plan to deliver and all of us, departing chief executive included, must do all we can to support our customers and partners during this challenging time for our economy."

The agency's chairman, Crawford Gillies, said: "Jack has overseen substantial changes across the organisation and will leave the agency leaner and fitter for our task of supporting company growth and helping to improve the business environment in Scotland.

"The chief executive of Scotland's main economic development agency is a challenging and extremely rewarding role.

"We will be seeking applications from as wide a field as possible and aim to take the time necessary to ensure we get the right person for the job."

Mr Perry was born in Scotland, the son of American parents, and he has dual nationality. He was educated at Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities, with a degree in science and qualifications as an accountant.

He was chairman of CBI Scotland from 2001 to 2003, and chaired the CBI's policy-making body. He could stay in office as long as 12 months, depending how long it takes to find his replacement.

While the chairman said he looking widely for a replacement, the leading inside candidate would be Lena Wilson, the chief operating officer and head of its overseas wing, Scottish Development International.