Harbour board rings change at the top

ABERDEEN Harbour Board (AHB) has appointed James Bell as finance director, following the recent retirement of Graeme Clark after 26 years’ service.

Mr Bell, 42, joins from Caledonian Brewing Company, a subsidiary of Heineken UK, where he has been head of finance since 2002.

A graduate of Dundee University, he initially trained with chartered accountant Bird Simpson and spent seven years with Meston Reid and Co before joining Diageo in 2001.

Mr Bell said: “This is an exciting opportunity for me.

“Aberdeen harbour is not only in the process of a £65million development strategy, but also remains a fundamental part of the north-east economy.

“I look forward to the opportunities that the future will bring as Aberdeen’s trust port develops.”

AHB chairman Keith Allan said: “We are pleased to welcome James to this key position and believe his extensive financial experience will both complement and further strengthen the board’s senior management team.”