Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive to step down
Scottish Enterprise will begin a search for a new Chief Executive next week to find a successor to Jack Perry who has announced he is to step down after more than 5 years in the job.
Mr Perry informed the SE Board and employees of his decision earlier today. He told them: “It has been a privilege to have served Scottish Enterprise, its customers and its people for the past five and a half years. My time here has been some of the most challenging, fascinating and professionally rewarding of my entire career.”
Confirming that he intends to remain in the job until a successor is appointed, Mr Perry added: “I remain fully committed to Scottish Enterprise. We have an ambitious business plan to deliver and all of us, departing chief executive included, must do all we can to support our customers and partners during this challenging time for our economy.”
SE Chairman Crawford Gillies said: “I’d like to commend Jack for all he has achieved during his term as CEO. He has overseen substantial changes across the organisation and will leave the agency leaner and fitter for our task of supporting company growth and helping to improve the business environment in Scotland.
“The CEO of Scotland’s main economic development agency is a challenging and extremely rewarding role. We will be seeking applications from as wide a field as possible and aim to take the time necessary to ensure we get the right person for the job.
“We are all committed to ensuring a smooth transition over the coming months and I am grateful to Jack for his ongoing commitment to the role while we embark on a broad based search for his successor.”
- Jack Perry joined Scottish Enterprise in February 2004
- Prior to this, until December 2003, he was the managing partner of Ernst & Young in Glasgow. In addition, he was Regional Industry Leader for Scotland and Northern Ireland for Ernst & Young's Technology & Communications practice
- A dual national, Jack was born in Scotland to American parents. Educated at both Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities, he is a graduate scientist. He is also a Chartered Accountant and a United States Certified Public Accountant. He has worked in both the United States and the United Kingdom in a career covering most professional disciplines and industries.
- In September 2001 Jack took office as Chairman of CBI Scotland, having been a member of the CBI Scotland Council since 1996. He also chaired the group of 12 CBI Regional Chairmen and was a member of the President’s Committee, the ultimate policy making body of the CBI. Jack demitted office at the CBI at the end of his two-year term in September 2003.
- His other responsibilities include visiting tutor to the Leadership Trust and Ambassador for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice. He is also former Chairman of the Translational Medicine Research Institute and Craigholme School.
- Jack is married with three children. He lives in Glasgow and his leisure interests include golf, skiing, reading and current affairs.