New Directors Strengthen Board at Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Date Posted: 10 Aug, 2023

Scottish Chambers of Commerce welcomes six of Scotland’s most prominent and successful business people to join its Board of Directors, bringing with them decades of experience and entrepreneurship from a variety of business sectors.

Welcoming the new Directors, Stephen Leckie, President of Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:

“I am delighted to welcome more top talent to the SCC Board. The new Directors will bring exceptional business acumen, strategic vision and leadership that will leverage our ability to support Scotland’s business community.

“SCC continues to focus on its growth priorities including acceleration of plans to rapidly expand the ability of Scottish businesses to export, tackling the stubborn challenge of skills shortages and creating a business-friendly environment for doing business in Scotland. I have no doubt the newly strengthened Board will act as vocal advocates for Scotland’s business community.”

Rodney Ayre, Senior Department Production Manager, Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning Systems Europe Ltd commented: “I am honoured to join the board. The work of SCC nationally and internationally is vitally important to the development of the Scottish economy for investment, skills, and future sustainability. I look forward to engaging and supporting Scottish Businesses and the wider chamber network.”

Jacqueline Dobson, President of Barrhead Travel commented: “It is a privilege to be joining a group of esteemed business leaders on the board of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. In my current capacity as President of Barrhead Travel and Vice President of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association, I have been championing small and medium businesses, retailers, and the people behind them for decades. Travel and tourism are vital to ensuring the global connectivity of Scotland and I hope to take an active role in developing opportunity for Scottish businesses. I am looking forward to contributing to the Chamber’s dynamic vision for the future and advocating for the support that our business community needs.”    

Claire Baird, CEO Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, commented: “I am privileged to join the SCC Board at a crucial time for the Scottish business community. The work of SCC Network both domestically and internationally is widely recognised, and I look forward to taking an active role in advancing the growth agenda for Scottish businesses.”

Dr Hina Khan, Executive Director of Space Scotland commented: “I am thrilled to be joining the Board of Directors for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, where I will be joining an experienced group of individuals to support the work of SCC. As the Executive Director of Space Scotland, I am excited about being able to provide visibility of Scotland space sector to the extensive international network that SCC operate within, and bring forward opportunities that will help grow Scotland’s economy through space-derived applications.  Scotland space sector is a hidden gem with a huge potential for international collaboration and market opportunity.  I am honoured to be joining SCC in this capacity to help connect the industry in Scotland across the international domain.”

Doug Smith, Consultant, CBRE Scotland commented: “I am delighted to be joining the SCC Board and look forward to working with the SCC team as it provides essential support to its members and the wider business community alongside guidance and challenge to respective governments to bring forward policies which will support the business community in delivering inclusive economic growth in all parts of the country.”

Mary Ann Smith, Director of We Achieve Associates Ltd commented: “I am honoured to have been appointed as a Board Director at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. As an active member of the Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce board, I am passionate about my involvement with, and support for, the wonderful chamber network and am excited about the contribution I can make on a national and international level. I look forward to making a meaningful difference both within the Chamber network and beyond.”