HSBC Scotland boss appointed to CBI board

Alison McGregor, chief executive of HSBC Scotland, has been invited to join the CBI Board as non-executive director.

Ms McGregor will take up the role immediately and then stand for election by CBI members at the next Annual General Meeting in June 2018, as set out in the CBI’s Charter.

Ms McGregor is a familiar figure at the CBI having served until recently as Chair of CBI Scotland, having held the position from September 2015 until September 2017, when she was replaced by Graham Hutcheon, managing director of Group Operations at Edrington.

As the senior leader responsible for the HSBC Group in Scotland, she currently leads a team of over 4000 employees across a range of businesses. In addition to responsibility for people, customers and shareholders she has primary responsibility for maintaining the Group’s relationship with key external stakeholders and senior leaders with an interest and responsibility for supporting the growth of our economy.

A prominent figure within the UK financial services sector, Ms Gregor was recently recognised at the inaugural Scottish Women’s Awards, where she was named Scottish Corporate Leader of the Year 2017.

The CBI said the appointment reflects the organisation’s determination to ensure representation from all parts of the UK.

Paul Drechsler, CBI President said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alison to the CBI Board. Not only does she bring a wealth of experience in the financial services sector, but she’s also a true leader within the Scottish business community. Bringing both great energy and expertise to the role, Alison made a tremendous contribution as Chair of CBI Scotland and it was this, alongside her excellent understanding of the investment landscape within the UK, that make her such an ideal appointment. We’re delighted that we can continue to work with Alison in this new capacity and know that she will be a tremendous asset to the organisation.”

Ms McGregor added: “During a critical time for business and the UK economy, it’s more important than ever to work with business and government to create the right conditions for firms to grow, succeed and create a prosperous society. I am delighted to have the opportunity to support this important activity as a member of the CBI Board.”