Martin Avila

Mr Avila joins from his current position as director at the Kinning Park Complex and will be taking up his new position in early August. He brings a new vision to the role along with regeneration experience, energy and enthusiasm and a passion for the sector.

He joins CEIS Group at an exciting time as our mission-led work to tackle inequality, strengthen communities and improve the performance and impact of businesses has never been more important as we recover from the COVID pandemic.

Mr Avila comes to CEIS having recently overseen the capital redevelopment of Glasgow’s Kinning Park Complex. With on the ground experience in community wealth building and social enterprise development, he has a track record of leading high performing teams. Current Board member of SURF, Scotland’s Regeneration Forum and Treasurer of Community Land Scotland, Martin brings to CEIS a strong understanding of community enterprise and community-led development and regeneration.

Martin Avila commented: “Community enterprises have a key role to play in helping create a fairer, greener and healthier Scotland. I look forward to leading the fantastic team at CEIS to ensure we do all we can to help strengthen our communities and build a more inclusive economy that works for all of us”.

In announcing the appointment CEIS Group chair, Maureen Porch, said: “These are changing times for CEIS as Ian leaves us after a long and successful relationship with the Group, as a Director for 9 years and for the last two as Group CEO. As CEO Ian has steered us through the most challenging of times and leaves the Group having built a solid foundation to strengthen its role as a key player in the social and economic recovery from the COVID Pandemic. Further, his leadership has enhanced a culture of wellbeing, while supporting staff to transition to new ways of working and embracing new challenges.

Ian is now returning to the Scottish Government to take up a new and important challenge. We wish him well in the future and thank him for his years of commitment and service to CEIS and to the wider social enterprise sector.”

Congratulating Martin on being appointed she said: “The Board look forward to welcoming Martin to the Group and to working with him to deliver impact across the many challenges facing people, businesses and communities across Scotland and to shape the future of the Group.”