The chairman of the representative body for Scotland’s financial services industry has announced his intention to step down, with a successor already identified and expected to be confirmed in the near future. John McGuigan, who has held the position since November 2022, will be succeeded by Sue Dawe, currently the EY Scotland managing partner for financial services and SFE deputy chair. Sandy Begbie, SFE chief executive, expressed his appreciation for McGuigan’s leadership and welcomed Dawe as the incoming chair.
The announcement comes at a time of significant change in the leadership of Scotland’s financial services industry. McGuigan, who also holds other key positions in the industry, has been recognized for his leadership in driving the organization’s growth and raising its profile. With Dawe’s appointment, the SFE is dedicated to continuing its mission of advocating for the interests of Scotland’s financial and professional services sector.
In other news, the Benbecula Distillery in the Outer Hebrides has marked a significant milestone as it commences production of its first spirit. Owner Angus A MacMillan has brought to life a 130-year-old recipe, fulfilling his vision of establishing a multi-million-pound distillery at an old salmon processing plant. The addition of a glass-walled extension in the form of a lighthouse has transformed the distillery into a new landmark in the area, symbolizing the pride of the island’s maritime heritage.
Additionally, KPMG has announced the appointment of Vishal Chopra as the new head of its Scottish operations. Chopra, who previously led the firm’s Scottish tax team, will oversee a team of over 900 individuals across KPMG’s offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen. His appointment as senior partner for Scotland will take effect on October 1, succeeding James Kergon, who will be relocating to lead the firm’s transaction services team in England.
Finally, heraldscotland.com has implemented changes to its commenting system, making it available exclusively to subscribers. The decision aims to create a safer and more engaging space for informed debate, in response to the growing issue of off-topic discussions and abuse in online comments. By limiting commenting to subscribers, the website hopes to nurture a community of informed, educated readers who can contribute valuable insights to the platform.
The changes are part of a broader shift towards reader engagement and empowerment, recognizing the evolving role of technology in shaping discussions. Heraldscotland.com looks forward to receiving input from its readers, who are encouraged to share their knowledge and insights in a responsible and respectful manner.
The decision to restrict commenting to subscribers aligns with the website’s commitment to providing a high-quality experience for its readers and fostering meaningful conversations within the Scottish community. Readers can play a significant role in shaping the content and direction of the platform, with their contributions serving as a valuable addition to the stories and discussions featured on the website.