Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed Charlotte Wright as its new Chief Executive.

Having joined the organisation 20 years ago, Ms Wright has held several positions with HIE in Lochaber. She was appointed as the agency's Regional Director for Highland in 2008, and as Director of Business and Sector development in 2010.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms Wright said: "It has been an absolute privilege to have served HIE in my present post, and I am both delighted and honoured to have been appointed as Chief Executive.

-- Advertisement --

"Our results for 2016-17 demonstrate a highly successful set of achievements in very challenging economic circumstances, and our new operating plan for the current year shows that we are as ambitious for every part of our region as we have ever been.

"We will undoubtedly face some challenges in the next few years, as will other parts of the country, but our businesses and communities have proven themselves time and again to be resilient and adaptable to new circumstances.

"I look forward to working with our many partners to ensure the Highlands and Islands continues to punch above its weight as a successful region and make a strong contribution to Scotland's economic growth."

(LM/MH)