The incoming chairman of a leading north-east business organisation has called on leaders in the region to work together to mitigate the impact of the oil price crash.
The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Mark McCue as the new chairman of its Aberdeen and Grampian branch. He takes over from Mike Bowyer, while Jody Mitchell has become the new branch secretary.
Mr McCue, a director of Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, has been a member of the IoD Aberdeen and Grampian committee since 2012.
Mr McCue said:“The challenge for business leaders in this region will be to sustain the vibrancy that the local economy has enjoyed thanks to the oil and gas industry. The current, cyclical downturn in oil and gas reminds us of the importance of maintaining a diversified economy in Aberdeen and Grampian.
“The key to supporting the future is getting our local infrastructure right and it will be vital that we see engagement between business leaders and the public sector. We need to ensure that the potential of initiatives like the Aberdeen City Masterplan and the City Region Deal are realised for the benefit of all.
“I want to see the IoD Aberdeen and Grampian branch contributing strongly to the wider community and supporting economic initiatives.”
David Watt, Executive Director of the IoD in Scotland, said:“The Aberdeen City Region is the second most productive economy in the UK after central London. It is therefore a vital economic centre for the Institute of Directors.
“I am delighted therefore that we have such a capable new team taking over the leadership of our Aberdeen and Grampian branch. Along with a very enthusiastic committee, built up under Mike Bowyer’s chairmanship, I am sure they will contribute strongly to meeting the challenges in the wake of the oil price reduction.”
A University of Aberdeen graduate in Economics and Politics, Mr McCue has worked in the financial sector for the past 21 years.
Mr Mitchell has been a partner at solicitors Ledingham Chalmers since 2010. He specialises in corporate and commercial law, advising clients across a range of industry sectors, including oil and gas services, marine and construction. He is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen.