Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map

 

 

Charlotte Wright - New Acting Cheif Exective At HIE

29th August 2016

Photograph of Charlotte Wright - New Acting Cheif Exective At HIE

Charlotte Wright takes over as acting chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) today (Monday 29 August 2016).

Ms Wright has been with HIE since 1997 and held a number of roles in Lochaber before being appointed as the agency's regional director for Highland in 2008. Since 2010, she has held the position of director of business and sector development, based in Fort William and Inverness.

Prior to joining HIE, Charlotte ran her own small business. She also has past experience as a manager with the NHS.

Her appointment follows Alex Paterson's move to his new role as chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland.

Commenting on the role, Charlotte said: "It is an exciting and challenging time for the Highlands and Islands and for HIE. The region is in a good place. We have a diverse business sector, mainly of small to medium enterprises, and strong key sectors such as life sciences and renewable energy. This diversity and strength of sectors provides valuable economic resilience for the uncertainties ahead."

HIE chairman Professor Lorne Crerar said: "Charlotte's experience as director and member of HIE's leadership team over a number of years will ensure a smooth transition of leadership for the organisation as we move to recruit a permanent chief executive."

HIE’s area manager for Moray, David Oxley, is now acting director of business and sector growth, while Rachel Hunter, area manager for Shetland, will temporarily take on additional responsibilities for Moray.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

10/12/2025
How Development and Innovation Have Been Supported in the Highlands & Islands Over the Past 60 YearsThumbnail for article : How Development and Innovation Have Been Supported in the Highlands & Islands Over the Past 60 Years
For 60 years, the Highlands and Islands have been the focus of one of the UK's most distinctive long-term regional development efforts.   Since the creation of the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) in 1965—and its evolution into Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in 1991.  
9/12/2025
Planning consent granted for Inverness Campus
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has been granted planning permission in principle to progress the second and final phase of development at Inverness Campus.   The consent is subject to a Section 75 agreement being finalised between HIE and The Highland Council.  
9/12/2025
Island Business Resilience Fund expansion
Businesses affected by ferry disruption in Coll, Tiree, the Small Isles, Mull, Iona, Ulva, Barra, Vatersay, Islay and Jura can now access financial support.   The £4.4 million Islands Business Resilience Fund (IBRF) is expanding to support more businesses experiencing economic impacts linked to travel issues.  
8/12/2025
What the NC500 Research Projects Are Designed to Do - and Why They Matter for the Highlands
As the North Coast 500 approaches its tenth anniversary, it has become one of Scotland's most well-known tourism success stories.   The 516-mile loop around the far north of the Highlands has been celebrated internationally, marketed as a world-class road trip, and credited with transforming visitor numbers in some of Scotland’s most remote areas.  
28/11/2025
Workforce North event spotlights Highland economyThumbnail for article : Workforce North event spotlights Highland economy
EMPLOYERS and educators from across the Highlands have gathered to hear how a new initiative is aiming to transform the region's economy.   Workforce North - A Call to Action brought together business leaders and teachers from primary and secondary schools from across the Highland Council area with a wide range of partners geared towards education, learning and skills development at Strathpeffer Pavillion.  
25/11/2025
Tartan challenge for UHI students offers £1,500 prizeThumbnail for article : Tartan challenge for UHI students offers £1,500 prize
Students from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership have been challenged to design a tartan and be in with a chance of winning a £1,500 cash prize.   Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has launched THE COMPETITION to mark 60 years since the regional development agency (then named Highlands and Islands Development Board) was established in November 1965.  
25/11/2025
The Rural AI Roadshow - How AI can help your rural business thriveThumbnail for article : The Rural AI Roadshow - How AI can help your rural business thrive
Scotland's enterprise agencies (Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise) The Scottish AI Alliance and The Data Lab have joined forces to plan and deliver an inspiring and educational Rural AI Roadshow.   There will be three, one day, Rural AI Roadshow conferences taking place across Scotland in January 2026.  
25/11/2025
Digital and AI innovation round-up for NovemberThumbnail for article : Digital and AI innovation round-up for November
Scotland's digital future is accelerating, with AI and tech innovation transforming businesses.  In this blog, HIE's Theresa Swayne shares November insights on funding, leadership, and how organisations can harness technology to stay ahead.  
25/11/2025
Reflections from SEWF Rural: global lessons for the Highlands and Islands social impact economyThumbnail for article : Reflections from SEWF Rural: global lessons for the Highlands and Islands social impact economy
As we mark 60 years since the region's economic and community development agency was established, it's timely to reflect on the global aspects of our work on shaping rural futures.   The recent Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) Rural Gathering in Sabah, Malaysia, welcomed changemakers from Australia, Ireland, India, Canada.  
19/11/2025
Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide - FREE To DownloadThumbnail for article : Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide - FREE To Download
Scottish Enterprise's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide provides an overview of more than 150 organisations that support new and growing companies in Scotland.   The guide includes incubators, accelerators, specialist industry programmes, co-working spaces and networking organisations.  

 

0.0148