An executive at energy group SSE has been appointed CBI Scotland chair in a recognition of business focus on the green agenda.

Martin Pibworth, chief commercial officer at the Perth-based company, succeeds Jennifer Young, partner at Ledingham Chalmers.

Working with the new CBI Scotland director Michelle Ferguson, he will support the CBI team’s continued engagement with the Scottish and UK governments on issues that range from skills shortages and the high-cost burden for business, to opportunities around AI and innovation.

His first meeting as chair will be the CBI Scotland Q1 council tomorrow in Edinburgh. He will also attend the CBI Scotland Annual Lunch on 21 March at the Intercontinental George Hotel in Edinburgh, a key event in the business and political calendar to be attended by CBI chief executive Rain Newton-Smith.

Ms Ferguson said: “This is a critical time for the business community, and as the UK government continues to drive forward its growth mission, and the Scottish Government encourages firms to invest in net zero, skills and apprenticeships.

“We’ll be working together to tackle many of the issues that are holding back firms’ investment, such as the high cost of doing business. We’ll also be engaging with business to find out how they can be supported in maximising the opportunities created by technology and green growth.

“With MSPs passing the Scottish Budget last week, the UK government’s Spending Review and new Industrial Strategy to be announced soon, and Scottish Parliamentary elections next year, we’ll ensure business has the strong voice it needs in discussions with the UK and devolved governments.”

Mr Pibworth said: “While there are undoubtedly economic challenges ahead, I am optimistic about the opportunities we can unlock together through constructive engagement, with both the Scottish and UK governments, on ways to break down barriers to growth, investment and job creation.

“My experience in the energy sector tells me that when businesses and governments work together on an aligned agenda, anything is possible.

“That’s how Scotland became one of the world’s leading markets for investment in areas like offshore wind – and whether it’s the energy transition or in emerging areas like data and AI, we will need to channel that same spirit of collaboration to ensure we maximise the economic opportunities for Scotland in the months and years ahead.”