Mr Gillespie joins from the University of Strathclyde where, as chief commercial officer, he was Strathclyde’s executive team lead overseeing growth of their extensive industry facing activities and the development of innovative, place-based economic development projects such as the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Glasgow City Innovation District.

Prior to his time at the University, Mr Gillespie spent sixteen years at Scottish Enterprise where he held leadership positions in the technology and energy sectors, before becoming Managing Director leading SE’s support for high growth companies, innovation, entrepreneurship and infrastructure development.

Economy secretary Kate Forbes said: “Congratulations to Adrian Gillespie on his appointment as Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise. This is a crucial time for business, trade and investment in Scotland and I look forward to working with Adrian, and leaders from across our business community, to push forward with an ambitious agenda of recovery and economic transformation.

“By working together and galvanising the expertise and ingenuity of businesses, trade unions and workforces, we will be able to seize Scotland’s economic potential and deliver greater, greener and fairer prosperity.”

Lord Smith of Kelvin, Scottish Enterprise chairman, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Adrian as our new Chief Executive. Adrian has extensive knowledge in economic development which, coupled with his leadership abilities and recent experience at the University of Strathclyde, will bring a strong mix of skills and fresh perspective at a critical point in Scotland’s economic recovery.”

Adrian Gillespie added: “I’m very much looking forward to re-joining the talented team at Scottish Enterprise, and to working closely with our partners in business, academia and government to support recovery, innovation and growth across the country.”