The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has appointed an industry leading manufacturing chief as its new President.

Rodney Ayre heads up production within Mitsubishi Electric’s six sites in West Lothian.

The engineering expert’s step up to the key role reflects a renewed SCC focus on manufacturing, innovation, and the energy sector.

He said: “I am honoured to have been asked to take up the position at such a critical time for Scottish businesses and I hope my extensive production expertise and international experience will provide valuable insight and guidance as we strive to create a stronger manufacturing base and encourage increased investment into Scotland.

“I look forward to working with the Scottish and UK governments to support investment in innovation, renewable products and our industrial base.”

Mr Ayre is a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Past President of Scottish Engineering, former chair of the Japanese Business Council in Europe working group, and a member of the Strategic leadership Group for Manufacturing within the Scottish Government.

A chartered engineer, he joined Mitsubishi in 1998 after previously working with British Rail on the development of the Heathrow Express Rail link and as a project engineer for the manufacturing of the freight rolling stock in the Channel Tunnel.

Stephen Leckie, Chairman and CEO of Crieff Hydro Family Hotels, steps down as President at the end of the year. He said: “It has been an enormous privilege to have led the organisation over the last two years and I am proud that we remain recognised as the leading voice for business in Scotland.

“Rodney will build on our success, supported by a strong Board of Directors, executive team and a network throughout Scotland who are focussed on providing support and connectivity to grow our economy.

“He has been a positive, driving force as a Director of the SCC and will lead our 12,000 member organisations into its next phase of growth at a time when there are many challenges, including addressing the skills shortages and rebuilding a stronger manufacturing base.”

SCC Chief Executive Dr Liz Cameron CBE said: “Rodney brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership skills with a deep knowledge of the challenges but also the massive opportunities that lie ahead. He has been at the forefront of innovation, renewable technologies, and manufacturing. His strategic insight will further strengthen a diverse and dynamic team representing all business sectors.”

He will be supported by Vice Presidents Dr Poonam Gupta OBE, one of Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs, founder, and owner of international company PG Group and Doug Smith, ex Chair of CBRE in Scotland, now Consultant.