Recruitment under way for next Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise

12th June 2025

The Scottish Government has begun recruitment to appoint a new Chair for the Board of development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Applications are currently being invited through the government's public appointments website with a closing date of 7 July 2025.

The move follows news in March that HIE's current Chair, Alistair Dodds CBE, had decided to step down this summer.

Announcing his decision, Mr Dodds said: "It has been an immense privilege to serve on the board and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the Scottish Government, businesses, communities, local authorities and partners across the public, private and third sectors.

"Our economy and communities are in a very positive place, with huge potential for unprecedented investment and job creation. I am convinced that HIE will continue to deliver strong performance and positive outcomes for the Scottish Government and that the Highlands and Islands will greatly benefit the economy of Scotland over the next 15 years and beyond."

Mr Dodds will leave the post at the end of July, having been a board member for a total of 11 years, including five years as Chair. His successor is expected to be in place by the start of October.

HIE is the economic and community development agency for an area covering more than half of Scotland's land mass, stretching from Shetland in the north to the southern tip of Argyll and including almost 100 inhabited islands.

The HIE Board oversees the work of the organisation, reporting to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Gaelic. It has corporate responsibility for ensuring that HIE fulfils the aims and objectives set by Scottish ministers and for promoting the efficient and effective use of resources.

About Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency for a region covering more than half of Scotland, including more than 90 inhabited islands. We work with communities, enterprises, and stakeholders to unlock our region’s potential for growth and progress, while driving fair work and net zero practices.

Our purpose is to build and sustain a greener, fairer and more resilient region that benefits everyone. We offer support and investment to a wide range of projects that deliver on our priorities, which include a growing workforce, increased productivity, innovation and wages, and a just transition to net zero.

You can visit our website at http://www.hie.co.uk