Public appointment: Member appointment extended on the Scottish Enterprise Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Neil Gray MSP, today announced the extension of the appointment Dr Willie Mackie as a Member and interim Chair of the Board of Scottish Enterprise.

Member

Dr Willie Mackie established a consultancy buniess in 2013 after an extensive career in financial services. Over the last 20 years, he has held a number of senior roles supporting skills, education and economic development.  He joined the Scottish Enterprise Board in 2016 as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. In 2019, he was appointed Deputy Chair and subsequently to the role of interim Chair in 2022. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of West of Scotland for services to skills, education and economic development.

Extension

The extension is for three months and runs from 1 January 2024 until 31 March 2024. During this period. Dr Mackie will continue to undertake interim Chair responsibilities.

The extension is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

A Member of the Scottish Enterprise Board receives a fee of £446.92 per day. However, for the duration of this extension, Dr Mackie will receive £541.00 per day for performing the functions of interim Chair. The time commitment is 30 days per year, however, it will be proportionate to the term of the extension.

Other ministerial appointments

Dr Mackie is a Member of the Board of Prestwick Aviation Holdings Limited. He receives £338.00 per day for a time commitment of 28 days per year.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.

Dr Mackie has undertaken no political activity within the last five years.

Background

As the national economic development agency for Scotland, Scottish Enterprise will play a critical role in helping to fulfil Scotland’s economic potential. Through its renewed focus on impactful investment, supporting world leading innovation and ensuring Scotland’s ability to attract international investment, Scottish Enterprise - working with key partners - will be at the forefront of change to ensure our business community is well supported through the current economic challenges and beyond. The agency will play a key role in delivering Scottish Ministers’ ambitions for the future of Scotland’s economy as set out in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

SE has its headquarters in Glasgow and is responsible in 2023-24 for an annual budget allocation of approximately £264 million together with additional business income from its investments and property assets.