NHS Highland’s finance chief is leaving to join Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) it has been announced.
Nick Kenton will join the Inverness-based development agency next month after five years as the health board’s director of finance.
He replaces Forbes Duthie, who retired as HIE’s head of finance and corporate affairs in April.
Originally from Nottingham, Mr Kenton, a graduate of University College of Wales, has worked in the health service for 29 years. He spent seven years as director of finance at NHS Shetland before moving to NHS Highland.
HIE’s interim chief executive Charlotte Wright said: “This is a key role for HIE.
“Nick Kenton brings a great deal of relevant experience to the post that will prove invaluable as we continue to use our resources as wisely as possible to maximise our impact across every part of the region.”
Mr Kenton said he was looking forward to the challenge of his new role with HIE.
He added: “I have lived in the Highlands and Islands region for 13 years,firstly in Shetland and latterly in Inverness)and I am aware of the crucial role HIE plays in the well-being of the region from both an economic and community resilience point of view.
“It will be both a privilege and a great responsibility to be part of that.”
Interviews for the £108,181-£118,480-a-year chief executive’s post at HIE are expected to take place in the coming days.
Ms Wright has held the role in an acting capacity since last August, following the departure of former chief executive Alex Paterson for a similar position with Historic Environment Scotland.