Sandy Begbie named new CEO of finance trade group

● New SFE leader to take up role at start of October ● Possesses ‘right balance of experience’

Financial services vet eran Sandy Beg bi eh as been appointed chief executive of the industry’ s representative body in Scotland.

Beg bie will join Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) at the star t of next month and work alongside current chief executive Graeme Jones, who is retiring at the end of this year following five years in the role, during a three-month handover period.

Until August, Beg biew as chief transformation officer at T es co Bank where he led the strategic change programme for the previous 18 months. Prior to this he was responsible for the global people, organisation and culture integration at Standard Life Aberdeen.

Prior to the merger with Aberdeen Asset Management, he was chief people officer and lead executive for China and Hong Kong for Standard Life. He also held similar positions with Aegon, S cottishpower and Royal Bank of Scotland.

Most recently, Begbie developed the young person guarantee implementation plan for the Scottish Government in response to rising youth unemployment as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

Begbie, who was awarded a CBE in the Queen’ s Birthday Honours List in August 2018 for services to business and social inclusion, said: “I’m a big believer that the private sector is a force for good and makes a positive contribution to the fabric of society.

“I’m passionate about the difference financial services can make to people’ s lives and joining Scottish Financial Enterprise provides an opportunity to help the industry make a greater impact here in Scotland.

“I’ m looking forward to working collaboratively with SFE members and building on the good work Graeme and the board have done. Given the current environment, it’s important that SFE has the right voice and influence to respond to the world we find ourselves in.”

Philip Grant, chairman of SFE, said: “An innovative and progressive financial services sector is vital for Scotland’ s economy and SFE plays a central role in the development of the value of the sector.

“This has never been more important as we turn our attention to securing a longterm and sustainable recovery that can support the society in which we wish to live.

“SFE has an important role to play in the response to the Covid-19 crisis and Scotland’s economic and societal recovery.

“Sandy is an outstanding leader with the right balance of experience to lead SF E. He brings an extensive network and strong credentials in delivering successful strategic programmes for corporate and third sector organisations as well as government.”

Jones added: “It’s reassuring for me to be handing over to someone of Sandy’s seniority and standing.”