Scottish Financial Enterprise has launched the search for a new chief executive after Graeme Jones announced he will be retiring at the end of this year.
The former RBS, Standard Life and Aviva executive has led the industry representative body since January 2016.
Jones has overseen a five-year strategy to strengthen the financial sector. Membership of SFE has grown by 25% on his watch and the organisation has engaged with the UK and Scottish Governments on behalf of members during the turmoil of Brexit and the coronavirus crisis.
Initiatives have included the establishment of FinTech Scotland, Fast Track work readiness hubs, and the Unified Schools Programme.
The SFE Young Professionals network has also amassed more than 300 members since it was launched during Graeme’s tenure.
SFE chairman Philip Grant said: “Graeme’s leadership has transformed SFE and he will be sorely missed by me, the Board and his team when he retires in December 2020.
"Graeme has built the firmest of foundations from which we can continue to develop and build the capability and impact of SFE in representing the interests of our members and developing the value of financial services for Scotland.
"The SFE Board has launched a search for Graeme’s successor. In the meantime, I look forward to working closely with him and the SFE Board in the months ahead.”
Before joining SFE, Jones' jobs included senior partner – Banking and Financial Services at Experian; head of distribution for Aviva; head of regulated sales at RBS Group; and manager of strategy and operations at Standard Life.
He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at SFE and I’m proud to be leaving it with strong and secure foundations as it enters a new chapter. I would like to thank the SFE Board for their enduring support over the past five years and my team for their hard work, commitment and guidance.
"Our members are at the heart of SFE and I would like to thank them for their commitment on driving forward our strategic initiatives and contributing to the overall success of SFE. I very much look forward to working with you all throughout the rest of 2020 and supporting a seamless transition as SFE enters a new cycle under new leadership.”
The search for a new CEO is being managed by headhunter Carlyle.
