Highlands and Islands Enterprise appoints new finance director

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed a new director of finance and corporate services.

Nick Kenton joins HIE on 4 July from NHS Highland. He takes over from Forbes Duthie who retired from the post in April after 15 years with the development agency.

Originally from Nottingham, Mr Kenton has spent all of his 29-year career to date working in the health service, including a seven year stint as director of Finance for NHS Shetland.

He has an honours degree in economics and politics from University College of Wales in Aberystwyth and qualified as a chartered public finance accountant.

Through his NHS roles he has experience of working closely with private, public and third sector partners, including several local authorities and the Scottish Government.

Confirming the appointment, HIE’s interim chief executive Charlotte Wright said: “This is a key role for HIE. Nick Kenton brings a great deal of relevant experience to the post that will prove invaluable as we continue to use our resources as wisely as possible to maximise our impact across every part of the region.”

Nick Kenton added: “I am delighted to have been appointed director of finance and corporate services at HIE and am greatly looking forward to the challenge. I have lived in the Highlands and Islands region for 13 years (firstly in Shetland and latterly in Inverness) and I am aware of the crucial role HIE plays in the well-being of the region from both an economic and community resilience point of view. It will be both a privilege and a great responsibility to be part of that.”