Public appointment: Chair reappointed to the South of Scotland Enterprise Board

The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery, John Swinney MSP, today announced the reappointment of Professor Russel Griggs OBE as Chair of the Board of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“It is great to be able to announce Professor Russel Griggs has been reappointed as Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise.

“Russel’s commitment, hard work and enthusiasm has enabled SOSE to make a real difference in the region.  Bringing forward new services, support and funding, focused on local needs, SOSE is at the forefront of realising the regional opportunities for the south of Scotland as part of a wider more prosperous and productive nation.”

Professor Griggs said:

“It is an absolute privilege to be reappointed as Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise.

“I am really proud of what SOSE has achieved thus far, in the face of a variety of unprecedented challenges since our launch in April 2020.

“We are committed to continuing to work with our partners to support businesses, social enterprises and communities as much as we can.

“Despite the ongoing challenges faced, there are also many opportunities for our fantastic region.  I am really confident that SOSE can help our region’s people and enterprises to thrive, grow and fulfil their potential.”

Professor Russel Griggs has had a long and successful career in both the private and public sector including marketing, manufacturing, banking and the third sector.  He was also Chair of SOSEP the body that created SOSE.  He Chairs the Scottish Government’s independent Regulatory Review Group; is a member of the Scottish Government’s Aquaculture Council; is Chair of Scottish Mines Restoration Trust; is a Board member and senior Independent Director on the oversight Board for the Comptroller and Auditor General for the States of Jersey; and is a Board member of Lenlyn Holdings Ltd a financial services company.  Professor Griggs is also honorary Professor of the University of Glasgow, was an associate Professor at Boston University and a member of the Board of the Business School at Georgia Southern University.  He was awarded an OBE in 2008 for services to Scottish industry.

Reappointment

The reappointment will be for four years and runs from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027.

The reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

The reappointment attracts remuneration of £365.92 per day for a time commitment of three days per week.

Other ministerial appointments

Professor Griggs is a Member of the Scottish Aquaculture Council.  This is an unremunerated role.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.

Professor Griggs has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is the economic and community development agency for Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders.

SOSE was established by the Scottish Government in recognition of the unique circumstances of the South of Scotland, and the need for a fresh approach to drive inclusive growth across the area.

Its vision is to establish the South as the centre of opportunity, innovation and growth and for SOSE to help achieve this by being bold, striving, inclusive and responsible.