Keith Anderson

Mr Anderson also joins the CBI chairs’ committee, the body responsible for setting and steering CBI policy at a UK level.

A longstanding member of the CBI, Mr Anderson joined the Scotland council in 2019 and currently serves as vice chair. He also played a key role in developing the Scottish Leaders Mentoring Scheme, a joint initiative between ScottishPower and CBI Scotland to encourage and provide mentoring for the next generation of female business leaders in Scotland.

As chief executive of ScottishPower, Mr Anderson is a member of the board of directors and has responsibility for all ScottishPower businesses, the financial performance of the company and the leadership of ScottishPower internally and externally. He was previously CEO of ScottishPower Renewables and led Iberdrola’s international offshore business.

Before joining ScottishPower, Mr Anderson worked with some major financial institutions including the Royal Bank of Scotland and Standard Life, as well as working as a management consultant with E&Y. Mr Anderson is an Honorary Fellow of the Energy Institute, an independent member of Court of Aberdeen University and a trustee of the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.

Jennifer Young, managing partner of Ledingham Chalmers LLP, will succeed Keith as CBI Scotland vice chair.

Commenting on the appointment, Tracy Black, CBI Scotland director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Keith as CBI Scotland Chair at what will undoubtedly be a very challenging time for the Scottish economy. ScottishPower is one of Scotland’s biggest and most high-profile brands, and Keith ranks among the very top business leaders in the country – with a wealth of contacts across politics and the business community.

“As one of the country’s leading energy providers, and with an outstanding track record in leading the climate agenda in the UK, Keith is extremely well positioned to help shape CBI Scotland’s work ahead of this year’s all-important COP26 summit in Glasgow. His knowledge, experience and expertise will be invaluable as we look to build back better from the pandemic and institute a truly green recovery in Scotland and beyond.

“I also want to pay tribute to our outgoing Chair Graham Hutcheon, who has demonstrated exemplary leadership during some extremely turbulent times. Graham has been a tremendous source of support throughout the Brexit process and has played a key role in cementing relations with government and the local business community. He has been a passionate and tireless advocate for Scottish business and has challenged CBI Scotland to go further and faster in addressing Scotland’s longstanding economic shortcomings.”

Keith Anderson added: “There’s never been a more challenging time for the business community and, as such, it’s imperative CBI Scotland is a leading voice and advocate in driving the economic recovery that will deliver a clean, green and prosperous future for the nation.

“At the heart of this will be making the best use of our collective knowledge, expertise and determination to showcase business as a force for good and a means of coming out the other side better and stronger – delivering jobs, investment and economic growth that will benefit every city, town and village in the country.

“2021 will be a landmark year for Scotland, with the UN COP26 summit coming to Glasgow, and this is a terrific opportunity for Scottish firms – from John O’Groats to Jedburgh – to show the world what we’re doing to tackle climate change and create a Net Zero economy that’s fair for all.

“That’s something that will impact on every business sector and it won’t be plain sailing by any means. However, I look forward to building on Graham’s legacy to ensure CBI Scotland and Scottish firms are right at the helm, steering us towards a strong, secure and sustainable future.”