Tories claim Scottish Enterprise left ‘rudderless’ after leader steps down

Scotland’s main enterprise body could be “rudderless” for a year, the Conservatives have claimed, as they accused ministers of delaying the hunt for a new chief executive.

Lena Wilson, who had held the role at Scottish Enterprise for almost eight years, announced last July that she was stepping down.

She has since joined the board of Royal Bank of Scotland – but the Scottish Government did not advertise for a replacement until 17 November, Economy Secretary Keith Brown has confirmed. 0 Lena Wilson stepped down from the body in July last year

The closing date for applications for the post was 5 January, with Mr Brown stating it could take six months to find her successor. He said: “The recruitment process to recruit a chief executive takes approx- imately six months to complete subject to the successful candidate’s notice period.”

Scottish Conservative economyspokesmandeanlockhart said: “At a time when Scotland’s economy is struggling, it’s completely unacceptable that Scotland’s enterprise agency could be rudderless for up to a year.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Scottish Enterprise went from strength to strength during Lena Wilson’s tenure as chief executive and their success continues under the interim leadership of Paul Lewis. The recruitment process for a new chief executive is well under way.”