HIE appoints new energy director

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed a new director of energy and low carbon.

The appointment this week of Audrey MacIver, of Alness in Easter Ross, sees her succeed Calum Davidson who retired in November after 31 years with the economic and community development agency.

MacIver takes over lead responsibility for HIE’s contribution to the growth in the energy and low carbon sector, covering oil and gas (including decommissioning) , renewables and the low carbon economy.

A graduate in Agriculture and Economics from the University of Aberdeen, her career has focused on economic and community development in the Highlands and Islands.

Since joining HIE in 1993, she has held posts in economics, community development, and tourism, but for almost a decade now has concentrated on energy.

Confirming the appointment, David Oxley, HIE’s acting director of business and sector development, said: “Energy is one of our most important and dynamic sectors, presenting great opportunities for the region and for Scotland as a whole.

“With Audrey in post, we have appointed an individual who is not only highly experienced and knowledgeable, but also passionate about developing the whole sector, from oil and gas, through all forms of renewable energy to the emerging low carbon economy.”

Mrs MacIver added: “I am delighted to be taking on this role, and determined to build on the successes already being witnessed through the Highlands and Islands, from single turbines powering a revival in rural communities, through to hundreds of jobs being created by large scale offshore energy projects.

“We are entering a new era of energy policy, with HIE and the region at the heart of it. There will be significant opportunities for our businesses and communities across the Highlands and Islands to secure direct benefits from the energy and low carbon sector, particularly in emerging areas of marine energy and oil and gas decommissioning, and in responding to increasing opportunities arising from greater energy efficiency and more flexible supply

“I look forward to leading HIE’s involvement in growing the sector, supporting ambitious supply chain companies in realising these benefits, and positively transforming communities for the long term.”

Audrey MacIver is from Alness in Easter Ross, where she still lives with her husband and two sons.