Rodney Ayre (credit: Scottish Chambers of Commerce)

Mr Ayre heads up production within Mitsubishi Electric’s six sites in West Lothian. His appointment reflects a renewed SCC focus on manufacturing, innovation, and the energy sector.

He said: “I am honoured to have been asked to take up the position at such a critical time for Scottish businesses and I hope my extensive production expertise and international experience will provide valuable insight and guidance as we strive to create a stronger manufacturing base and encourage increased investment into Scotland. 

“I look forward to working with the Scottish and UK governments to support investment in innovation, renewable products and our industrial base.”

Mr Ayre is a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Past President of Scottish Engineering, former chair of the Japanese Business Council in Europe working group, and a member of the Strategic leadership Group for Manufacturing within the Scottish Government.​

A chartered engineer, he joined Mitsubishi in 1998 after previously working with British Rail on the development of the Heathrow Express Rail link and as a project engineer for the manufacturing of the freight rolling stock in the Channel Tunnel.

Stephen Leckie, Chairman and CEO of Crieff Hydro Family Hotels, steps down as president at the end of the year. He said: “It has been an enormous privilege to have led the organisation over the last two years and I am proud that we remain recognised as the leading voice for business in Scotland.  

“Rodney will build on our success, supported by a strong Board of Directors, executive team and a network throughout Scotland who are focussed on providing support and connectivity to grow our economy.

“He has been a positive, driving force as a Director of the SCC and will lead our 12,000 member organisations into its next phase of growth at a time when there are many challenges, including addressing the skills shortages and rebuilding a stronger manufacturing base.”

SCC Chief Executive Dr Liz Cameron CBE said: “Rodney brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership skills with a deep knowledge of the challenges but also the massive opportunities that lie ahead. He has been at the forefront of innovation, renewable technologies, and manufacturing. His strategic insight will further strengthen a diverse and dynamic team representing all business sectors.”

He will be supported by Vice Presidents Dr Poonam Gupta OBE, one of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs, founder, and owner of international company PG Group and Doug Smith, ex Chair of CBRE in Scotland, now Consultant.

Dr Gupta commented: “Now more than ever we need businesses to be working with governments to attain the domestic and international growth we aspire to and I look forward to working with Rodney to lead that drive and using my experience of turning a small business into an international company.”

Mr Smith added: “Having been a member of SCC’s Economic Advisory Group, and more recently a board member I appreciate the vital role the SCC plays in supporting businesses in Scotland. I am delighted to be stepping up to VP and working with Rodney and Poonam to ensure governments understand the importance of delivering sustainable economic growth and support the opportunities which exist to deliver that.”

Dr Cameron said: “Our new board has a fresh and stronger collective voice on behalf of Scottish businesses and will continue our focus on driving economic growth and tackling the numerous challenges and obstacles businesses face. We will continue to work at strengthening the partnership with governments and others to create a positive culture where political policy is aligned with business acumen.”

Mr Ayre is also chair of Developing the Young Workforce (West Lothian). He said: “Across all industries, particularly manufacturing, there are severe skills shortages and it’s vital we develop the workforce of the future by creating a clear pathway for people to learn new skills and help business thrive in an increasingly competitive world.”

The SCC recently appointed a number of new directors: Lindsay McGranaghan, senior vice president of CGI; Stuart Broster, founder and managing director of SDPN; Joanna Campbell, principal and CEO of Dumfries and Galloway College; Sarah Medcraft, CEO of Moray Chamber of Commerce and Christopher Lynch, Trade and Supply Chain Finance Director at Santander UK.

They will join the board officially in January although be involved immediately in the future planning programme for 2025.

The new board has an equal split of male and female directors. Dr Cameron said: “Whilst we have added strength based on skills and experience, it is encouraging to see the growing number of women providing leadership and inspiration across business.”