The boss of a business organisation set up to promote Aberdeen has been sacked after giving her husband a pay rise without approval.
Susan Bree, who was the chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, was axed in a unanimous decision by the body’s board of directors.
One insider described her actions, which were believed to have involved agreeing to a salary increase of several thousand pounds without informing the board, as “gross misconduct”.
Mrs Bree’s husband, Alan, is the operations manager for Aberdeen Inspired, the banner under which the city’s Business Improvement District (Bid) operates. He remains in his post.
Other members of staff were also believed to have benefited from the pay increase.
Hundreds of local companies are signed up to Aberdeen Inspired, and pay a levy to cover the cost of street improvements and other projects around the city.
Richard Noble, chairman of the organisation and director of FG Burnett, would not comment on the reasons for Mrs Bree’s departure.
In a statement, he said: “We can confirm that Susan Bree is no longer employed by the company.
“The recruitment process is underway.
“It is an exciting role at an important stage in the development of Aberdeen Inspired and we anticipate there will be strong interest.
“The position offers the opportunity to build on the work which has already been done and to drive the organisation forward.
“In the interim period, Aberdeen Inspired continues to fulfil its commitment to levy payers through the strong team which is in place and led by an experienced board of directors.
“The long term vision remains at the core of Aberdeen Inspired’s work and the comprehensive pipeline of projects is not affected.
“We are not in a position to comment further on confidential Aberdeen Inspired board matters and nor do we comment on speculation.”
Aberdeen Labour councillor for Tillydrone, Seaton and Old Aberdeen, Ross Grant, is employed by the body as a project manager and city “ambassador”. He did not return a call seeking comment yesterday.
Council leader Jenny Laing is also on the board, along with John Lewis managing director Robert Holder, Workshop UK Ltd managing director Allan Henderson and the general manager of the Bon Accord and St Nicholas shopping centres Craig Stevenson.
Aberdeen Inspired said last month that £4million would be generated for the city over the next five years.
Among a number of recent projects was the installation of a network of sensors to capture the movements of pedestrians.
The study, which cost £100,000, is designed to provide a greater understanding of the habits of visitors to Aberdeen’s commercial zone, while also revealing how accessible key areas are.
The business body also launched an initiative to address the blight of empty shop fronts and “to let” signs in the city centre.
The scheme, which involved specially commissioned graphics and signs at a number of shop units, was aimed at improving the look of the city centre.
Aberdeen Inspired also spent £28,000 on floral displays to brighten up the area.
Members of the city council’s finance, policy and resources committee agreed to contribute £50,000 to the organisation in June.
The funding will be used for a variety of projects, including the installation of an ice rink in the Castlegate and a “winter village” in Union Terrace Gardens over the festive period.
The local authority is also a levy payer in Aberdeen Inspired, as it owns a number of business properties in the city centre.
Mrs Bree could not be reached for comment last night.