Jennifer Young

Currently CBI Scotland’s vice chair, Ms Young is managing partner at Scottish full-service legal firm Ledingham Chalmers. She will assume her role as chair in the new year, taking over the role from Keith Anderson, chief executive of Scottish Power, who has been CBI Scotland’s chair since January 2021.

Mrs Young will work closely with CBI Scotland director Tracy Black to represent the interests of members.

Aberdeen-based Mrs Young is a leading construction lawyer, having been accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a construction law specialist for around 20 years. At Ledingham Chalmers, she oversees all aspects of the firm including leading and implementing strategy, internal and external communications, governance, client management and team management.

Ms Black said: “I am delighted to welcome Jennifer as Chair and believe she will make a lasting contribution to the CBI’s work in Scotland.

“The professional services sector, which includes the legal professional, accountancy, architecture practices and other specialists, accounts for a large proportion of businesses in Scotland, making a significant contribution to the economy.

“Jennifer brings wide experience of this sector as the Managing Partner of a growing legal firm. Her experiences working and living in the North East, a region that will be an important part of Scotland’s economic recovery, will also be invaluable for CBI Scotland members.

“I thank Keith for his work as Chair as the business community emerged from the pandemic. Keith’s experiences as ScottishPower Chief Executive have been invaluable as Scotland and the rest of the UK look to renewables to help achieve their net-zero ambitions.”

Mrs Young, said: “We are operating in particularly challenging times. That said, there remains ample potential to deliver a prosperous economic future for Scotland with the support of CBI Scotland in its role as a leading advocate for our talented and driven business community.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Keith Anderson for his support and leadership and relish the opportunity this role presents to lead an organisation crucial for delivering jobs, investment and economic growth, nationwide.”

Mrs Young’s appointment was formally announced at the CBI Aberdeen Business Dinner on 17th November at The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa in Aberdeen. Guests heard a keynote speech by the deputy first minister John Swinney. The event sponsor was Shell UK, which was represented by Simon Roddy, senior vice president Upstream.

Mrs Young will take up the role on 1st January 2023.