HIE Names New Energy Director

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed a new director of energy and low carbon.

Audrey MacIver of Alness in Easter Ross starts in the post on Thursday, June 01. She succeeds Calum Davidson who retired in November after 31 years with HIE.

Audrey takes over lead responsibility for HIE’s contribution to the growth in the energy and low carbon sector, covering oil and gas (including decommissioning) , renewables and the low carbon economy.

A graduate in Agriculture and Economics from the University of Aberdeen, Audrey’s career has focused on economic and community development in the Highlands and Islands. Since joining HIE in 1993, she has held posts in economics, community development, and tourism, but for almost a decade now has concentrated on energy.

David Oxley, HIE’s acting director of business and sector development, said: “Energy is one of our most important and dynamic sectors, presenting great opportunities for the region and for Scotland as a whole.

“With Audrey in post, we have appointed an individual who is not only highly experienced and knowledgeable, but also passionate about developing the whole sector, from oil and gas, through all forms of renewable energy to the emerging low carbon economy.”

Audrey MacIver added: “I am delighted to be taking on this role, and determined to build on the successes already being witnessed through the Highlands and Islands, from single turbines powering a revival in rural communities, through to hundreds of jobs being created by large scale offshore energy projects.”