STLA’S former secretary appointed managing director in restructure plan

The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) has announced its new managing director as part of its internal restructuring programme.

Colin Wilkinson, former SLTA secretary, will be appointed to the lead role, which combines the positions and responsibilities of association secretary and former SLTA chief executive Paul Waterson, with whom Wilkinson has worked closely for 18 years.

Wilkinson joined the association in 1981 and has seen the industry “transform” over the last four decades.

He said: “This is an exciting time for the SLTA as we move forward and support our members in times of change both within the licensed trade and in the political sphere.”

The SLTA also announced new non-executive board members, including chairman Jim Grierson, former salesdirectorofmaxxiumuk, and Kenny Macaskill, former Scottishgovernmentminister for justice.

The association said it drew board members from various industry sectors to bring a “broad-ranging set of skills and expertise” that will meet its long-term strategy.

Meanwhile, the SLTA has also formed a new regional council, which is a combination of the organisation’s former executive and management committees.

This council will be responsible for communicating with the association’s wider membership and highlighting issues of national significance to the board.

Wilkinson said: “I look forward to working with the board and regional council to ensure that our voice is heard on all issues and debates affecting the licensed trade and hospitality industry.”

Formed in 1880, the SLTA represents all sectors of the licensed trade industry in Scotland.