Scottish Chambers of Commerce has announced the appointment of “an industry-leading manufacturing chief” as its new president.

The business organisation declared: “The engineering expert’s step up to the key role reflects a renewed SCC focus on manufacturing, innovation, and the energy sector.”

Incoming president Rodney Ayre heads up production within Mitsubishi Electric’s six sites in West Lothian.

He will succeed Stephen Leckie, the chairman and chief executive of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels who steps down as president at the end of the year.


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Mr Ayre 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, a chartered engineer, 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.


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He is a fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, 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.

Mr Ayre is also chair of Developing the Young Workforce (West Lothian).

Mr Leckie 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 focused 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 [organisation] 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 Liz Cameron said: “Rodney brings a wealth of experience [and] 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.”

The business organisation noted Mr Ayre would be supported by vice-presidents Poonam Gupta, “one of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs” and founder and owner of international company PG Group, and Doug Smith, ex-chair of CBRE in Scotland and now a consultant with the property firm.