HIGHLAND SPRING GROUP
Simon Oldham becomes sole managing director at Highland Spring Group on 1 July when Mark Steven retires. Oldham was appointed joint managing director with Steven in August 2021. Oldham joined Highland Spring Group, the producer of the Perthshire-based natural source water brand, in 2010 from Whyte & Mackay.
BROKER INSIGHTS
Dundee-based tech firm, Broker Insights, has appointed Tom Duke, a veteran of Scotland’s high-growth technology sector, as chief operating officer. Broker Insights Vision platform brings brokers and insurers together in the UK commercial insurance market. Duke was a key figure in the development and ultimate sale of TVSquared.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Two of Scotland’s councils have named new chief executives. East Renfrewshire Council has appointed Steven Quinn who is currently its director of children’s services. He succeeds Lorraine McMillan who is retiring after 15 years as chief executive. In Fife, Ken Gourlay, the council’s executive director enterprise and environment, is to take the top job in July. Steve Grimmond retires at the end of June after 10 years in the post.
INVERNESS & CROMARTY FIRTH GREEN FREEPORT
Calum MacPherson will join Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) in August as chief executive. Inverness-born MacPherson is currently director of capital projects for Robertson Group. The ICFGF is a partnership of public and private sector organisations which aims to ensure the Cromarty Firth and wider region becomes a major global hub for green energy and deliver transformational benefits to Highland communities and the decarbonisation agenda.
BURNESS PAULL
A six-person team joins law firm Burness Paull to strengthen its rural business offering. It is led by agriculture and estates specialist Linda Tinson, who joins as a partner and head of the rural business practice from Ledingham Chalmers. She is joined by by Jim Drysdale (legal consultant), Lorna McKay (senior associate), Sarah Taylor and Jason Rust (both associates), and Sarah Strathdee (paralegal).
CYRENIANS
John Lawrie is the new chair of the board of Cyrenians, the homeless charity. Lawrie, who has been the board since 2003, was an investment manager for Scottish Provident, an Edinburgh City councillor and Deputy Lieutenant for the City of Edinburgh.
COMMONWEALTH GAMES SCOTLAND
Commonwealth Games Scotland has appointed Ian Reid as it new chair. He was chief executive officer of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games organising committee and and chief financial officer of the Glasgow 2014 Games. Replacing Paul Bush, Reid will be at the helm for the Victoria 2026 games and this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games in August during his four-year term.
BRODIES
Scottish law firm Brodies has opened an office in Abu Dhabi. The Middle East operation will be led by Greg May and Bryan Wilson, who have specialist energy and oil and gas expertise. May has been in Brodies’ UK practice for 12 years while Wilson has spent four years there. Brodies managing partner, Nick Scott, will oversee the Middle East firm.
LAW SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND
Sheila Webster, head of dispute resolution at Davidson Chalmers Stewart, has taken up the presidency of the Law Society of Scotland. She follows Murray Etherington in the role, while NHS Scotland solicitor Susan Murray has become the new vice president.
MM SEARCH
Recruitment firm, MM Search, has appointed Rachael Brooks as associate partner. She will head the HR and professional services division of the executive search company.