David Reid

David Reid takes up the role from today. He has been covering it on an interim basis since January.

A native of Moray, Mr Reid first joined HIE in 1994. For several years he worked as part of the local team before taking on a role focusing on skills planning and policy at a regional and national level.

He said: “It is a privilege to be appointed to lead the Moray area team for HIE. While there are many challenges facing local businesses and communities in relation to housing, recruitment and supply costs, there are also some tremendous opportunities for the area. These are around topics such as manufacturing, innovation and entrepreneurship and new and emerging sectors such as space and renewable energy supply chains.

“Perhaps most significant at this point is the Moray Growth Deal and the transition to net zero carbon and a fairer economy.

“I very much look forward to continuing to work with colleagues in the area team and with our partners and clients on all of these issues and others to secure the continued economic growth and community resilience across Moray.”

Stuart Black, HIE chief executive, added: “This is a crucial and challenging time for Scotland’s economy and Moray is in a very good position to make a lasting contribution to the country’s recovery and growth.

“David is already very strongly connected with people across the private, public and voluntary sectors in the area. I’m delighted he has been appointed as our new area manager and look forward to working with him as he leads our efforts to secure new opportunities for Moray in industries such as renewables, manufacturing, space, food and drink and tourism, and in taking forward HIE’s involvement in the Moray Growth Deal.”