Dunlop quits Scottish Enterprise suddenly

STEVE Dunlop has stepped down as chief executive of Scottish Enterprise.

Mr Dunlop quits the role after two and a half years leading the country’s main economic development agency. The former Scottish Canals boss had succeeded Lena Wilson, who held the role between 2009 and 2017.

The date of Mr Dunlop’s departure has still to be confirmed.

Scottish Enterprise said Mr Dunlop departs having led the agency’s response to the Covid-19 crisis. It noted that during his tenure Mr Dunlop had led a major shift in strategy, “putting a stronger focus on economic growth that empowers communities and on investing in the entrepreneurs and enterprising businesses upon which the Scottish economy is built”.

The post of Scottish Enterprise chief executive is one of the highest paid publicly-funded jobs in Scotland. Mr Dunlop received a pay package of £211,000 for the year ended March 31, including a salary of £172,000, according to the agency’s latest annual report and accounts.

Mr Dunlop said: “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 fore. Now is 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 to be part of.”

Scottish Enterprise said it is working with Scottish Government on the recruitment of a successor, adding that interim leadership details will be announced in due course. Chairman Lord Smith said the agency has “made huge strides towards its vision of an economy that works for everyone” under Mr Dunlop’s leadership.