News
HIE Board Welcomes Experienced Finance and Real Estate Leaders
Alistair Dodds – President of HIE
The Scottish Government appointed Allan Clow It is Melanie Collett as non-executive directors on the board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economics and Gaelic Kate Forbes approved three-year terms that came into effect on May 1, 2024.
Clow brings with him a strong set of strategic skills based on extensive experience in finance, commercial and change management and business recovery.
Accountant with more than 30 years of experience in various sectors, he has held financial director positions in several private companies. He was later managing director of Bancon Construction, delivering affordable housing in the Highlands and Islands and significant projects including the Inverness WASP studio and the Inverness Castle project.
Clow lives near Ullapool and currently holds non-executive director roles at the University of the Highlands and Islands, Wheatley Group, Turning Point Scotland and Glencraft Mattresses.
Collett is currently managing director of Aviva Investors’ real assets trading activity, investing in forestry, peatlands, infrastructure and real estate, including renewable energy and sustainable investing.
An accredited inspector with over 20 years of international experience in banking, direct procurement and leading business teams through change, she recently led a sizeable business transformation project for growth and efficiency.
Ms Collett grew up in Moray, where her father was stationed at RAF Lossiemouth and later opened a restaurant in Elgin. A long-time supporter of the Highlands and Islands, she returned to Moray in 2018.
Welcoming the nominations, HIE President Alistair Dodds said: “The board plays a vital role in setting strategic direction and providing oversight for Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
“It is important that board members span a broad range of skills that reflect our region’s diverse economy and prepare us to support HIE in developing opportunities and addressing challenges affecting our businesses and communities.
“I am delighted that we have attracted two new board members of excellent merit and I look forward to working with Allan and Melanie in the coming months and years.”
Both positions became vacant at the end of March, when Amanda Bryan It is Belinda Oldfield completed their second term as HIE board members.