Our monthly series in the business section is a round up of everything you need to know about the latest appointments in the north-east of Scotland.
Advisory firm True North has appointed two well-known political faces to its team.
Former Banff and Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford and award-winning author and political adviser Andrew Liddle have joined the Aberdeen-headquartered company.
Ms Whiteford, who was an MP from 2010 to 2017, said: “As we emerge from what have undoubtedly been a tough few years, I hope I’ll be able to assist organisations and businesses and be well prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Edinburgh-based Mr Liddle, a former political journalist with The Press and Journal, as well as a senior Labour party adviser and adviser to the US Consulate General in Edinburgh, said: “In a time of political uncertainty in Scotland and across the UK, it is more important than ever that businesses receive sound strategic advice and I believe my experience in the media and as a labour party advisor will help compliment the expertise of the team.”
True North was launched last year by managing partners Geoff Aberdein and Fergus Mutch.
Mr Aberdein said: “Eilidh and Andrew both bring a wealth of experience of a range of different sectors and disciplines and, as we continue to grow our own company, their contributions will be invaluable to all the businesses and organisations we are privileged to support.”
New chief executive for Charlie House
Aberdeen-based charity, Charlie House, has appointed John Brebner as chief executive officer to lead its strategy and vision to support children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families.
Mr Brebner joins Charlie House following an extensive career spanning more than 40 years in the finance sector and numerous board level roles.
He has experienced a number of senior leadership positions as well as advisory and non-executive roles including Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Motive Offshore Group and Pike & Bambridge.
Additionally, he has served as a board trustee for Befriend a Child.
Currently a non-executive director for Port of Aberdeen he will continue with this position while taking on his new role at Charlie House.
He said: “I have continuously been inspired by the passion and commitment the Charlie House team has and I can’t wait to get to know everyone and look at where we can enhance our activity from a commercial perspective.
“A key priority will be identifying how we can expand our reach of donors, commercial partnerships and sponsors to enhance our already diverse income streams.”
Charlie House founder and chairwoman Tracy Johnstone said: “On behalf of myself and the wider Charlie House team, we are looking forward to working with John to deliver on our current projects for increased service provision for the children and their families needing our support across the north-east, as well as delivering on our goals for the Big Build Appeal in the not too distant future.”
Well-known industry face joins Chap Group
Chap Group has appointed Richard Stott to the role of civils director as part of plans to help deliver their ambitious growth plans.
Mr Stott joins the firm from Nicol of Skene where he was latterly managing director.
Chap managing director Hugh Craigie said: “If you excuse the pun, strong foundations already exist but we look forward to Richard building on this and driving Chap Civils forwards.
“We have ambitious and challenging growth plans for all of the Chap Group divisions and civils is a key component of these plans.
“We are excited for the years ahead.”
Mr Stott added: “The energy and enthusiasm levels are high and the group is well placed to expand so I look forward to getting involved.”
Aberdeenshire-headquartered Chap Group has also added Derek Shewan to its board as non-executive director.
The company has been based in Aberdeenshire for more than 46 years.
Rovco new head of geoscience
Subsea technology firm Rovco, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Graham Bell as head of geoscience.
Mr Bell has more than 20 years’ global experience in marine site characterisation and has lived and worked in the Middle East, south-east Asia, and Europe.
Rovco is hoping to move into new markets, with a significant expansion of its offshore hydrographic, geophysical, and shallow geotechnical survey capabilities.
Chief revenue officer Simon Miller said: “Graham will play a vital role in the growth of our site characterisation business unit.
“Recognised in the industry as one of the most experienced operators in his field, he brings with him the particular skillset and expertise which will help us deliver this industry-leading aspect of our business to our clients.”
Brightsolid appoints new CFO
Scottish cloud computing and data centre company Brightsolid has named Andy Laing as its new chief financial officer.
Mr Laing has previously worked with various technology investment funds and extensively at director level within VC and PE backed deep tech organisations.
Chief executive Elaine Maddison said: “Andy has extensive experience of Scotland’s technology sector and I’m pleased he is bringing all his knowledge and skills to Brightsolid as we enter the next phase of our growth plan.
“We’re an ambitious organisation and Andy will play a key role in helping us realise those ambitions.”
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