CREATIVE Scotland and the Scottish Government today announce that, following a tenure of four years, Sir Sandy Crombie, has taken the decision not to seek a full second term as chair.
Sir Sandy said: “It has been my privilege to be the first chair of Creative Scotland. This period has of course had its challenges, but we must not forget there have also been many successes to celebrate and enjoy. Creative Scotland is ready now to play its full part in seeing many more.
“I’d like to thank the Scottish Government and, in particular, Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs for her support and patience while Creative Scotland has developed. I have greatly valued her vision, insight and friendship over the four years I have been in post.
“I feel confident that Creative Scotland is now well established and in a good place in terms of leadership, direction, and budgets. We have appointed a new senior leadership team led by chief executive, Janet Archer.
“We are about to launch a new strategic plan that has been produced through the input of more than 1,000 people, and we will be announcing new funding programmes very soon.
“Scotland is an extraordinary place, with unique opportunities. I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits emerging in future from Creative Scotland successfully placing those who work in the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland at the heart of everything it does.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, said:
“As the first chair of Creative Scotland, Sir Sandy Crombie has played a key role in establishing Scotland’s national arts body, leading Creative Scotland through periods of change and Transition and supporting the organisation to overcome the challenges of its first years of operation.
“More recently, Sir Sandy has steered the organisation through an important period of reflection and reorganisation and supported the development of its forthcoming ten-year plan.
“I thank Sir Sandy for his valuable contribution to Creative Scotland and his determined commitment to supporting Scottish arts and culture.”
ENDS
Notes to rditors:
1. Further information
Sir Sandy’s term in office will be extended, through short-term re-appointment, until the end of December 2014 to ensure continuity of leadership during the recruitment process for a new chair. A recruitment process for a new chair will take place over the Summer and will be led by the Scottish Government.
2. Sir Sandy Crombie
Sir Sandy Crombie is currently senior independent director of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc. He retired from Standard Life on 31st December 2009 after 43 years service, having been group chief executive since January 2004 and chief executive of Standard Life Investments Limited from its launch in 1998.
He was a member of the (former) Chancellor of the Exchequer’s High Level Group on Financial Services, served on the board of the association of British Insurers and was the chair of the Edinburgh World City of Literature Trust (November 2006-20 June 2011).
He is vice-chairof the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, President of the Cockburn Association, and became chair of Creative Scotland on its establishment on 1 July 2010. Sir Sandy received a Knighthood for services to the insurance industry in Scotland in the 2009 New Year’s Honours List.
3. The chair recruitment process
The chair of Creative Scotland is appointed by Scottish Ministers.
Sir Sandy Crombie’s first term of appointment as chair will end on 30th June 2014 and he will be reappointed from 1st July 2014 to 31st December 2014.
The recruitment of a new chair will be led by the Scottish Government and the role will be advertised in summer 2014. Interviews will be conducted by a selection panel in the autumn before final recommendations to Ministers are made.
4. Transition arrangements
A new chair will take up the post from the beginning of January 2015 and will be due to chair their first meeting of the Board on 26th February 2015.
For further information, please contact:
Kenneth Fowler
Director of Communications
Kenneth.fowler@creativescotland.com
07970 557 960
Creative Scotland is the national organisation that funds and supports the development of Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries. Creative Scotland has four objectives: to develop and sustain a thriving environment for the arts, screen and creative industries; to support excellence in artistic and creative practice; to improve access to and participation in, arts and creative activity; and to deliver our services efficiently and effectively.
For further information on Creative Scotland, please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland
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Contact: Sophie Bambrough
Phone: 07747606146
Email: sophie.bambrough@creativescotland.com
Website: http://www.creativescotland.com
