The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Business leader is to step down
The man who spearheaded a campaign to keep Michelin in Dundee is to step down from Scottish Enterprise, stating it is time for “fresh perspectives”.
Ste ve Dunlop joined Scot land ’s nat iona l economic development agency as chief executive two-and-a-half years ago.
Scottish Enterprise has played a central role in the Scottish Government ’s economic response to Covid-19, and during his time in post Mr Dunlop has led a major shift in strategy.
He has influenced the organisation by putting a stronger focus on economic growth that empowers communities and on inve s t ing in the en trepreneurs and enterprising businesses upon which the Scottish economy is built.
Mr Dun lop sa id : “Throughout my career I’ve always prided myself on knowing when the time is right to move on and let new and fresh perspectives come to the that time.
“I am proud of all the roles I have held during my 35 years of public service but none more so than this one.
“I am particularly proud of the work we have done to build new places and create jobs in parts of Scotland that need it most, and the role we have played in responding to the Covid-19 crisis.
“The commitment , energy and passion of the whole team to protect jobs over the past six months has been humbling.”
Mr Dunlop chaired the Michelin Action Group, which was established to try to prevent the French tyre company l e av i n g Dundee.
The efforts of the taskforce, which also included Dundee C i ty Council and the Scottish Government , led to Mi c h e l i n backing the M iche l in Sco t land Innovation Parc in place of the tyre factory.
Scottish Enterprise chairman Lord Smith said: fore.
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“I have had the privilege of seeing at first hand Steve’s passionate commitment to ser ve Scotland and to create economic growth that benefits ever yone living in Scotland.
“Under his collaborative leadership , Scottish Enterprise has made huge strides towards its vision of an economy that works for everyone.
“That task has inevitably been made harder by the impact of Covid, but Steve has placed Scottish Enterprise at the heart of the economic response, working with partners to get critical funds quickly and efficiently into the hands of businesses that can protect or create good jobs.”
Plans to recruit and appoint a new chief executive are being developed with the Scottish Government.
Scottish Enterprise said interim measures to bridge the gap b e tw e e n Mr Dunlop’s departure and a permanent successor will be announced in due course.