Two years ago, Aine Finlayson became Scottish Engineering’s first female president in its almost 160-year history.

Bernie will hold the office of president for two years with Ian Wilkie, managing director of Leviton Network Solutions, assuming the position of vice president, and Aine will move into the role of past president for the final part of her six-year commitment to Scottish Engineering’s president’s committee.

President Bernie O’Neil said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the Scottish Engineering President and will embrace this opportunity to drive forward engineering for all in Scotland. The last two years working alongside Aine in her role as president, with Rodney Ayre of Mitsubishi Electric as past president, has been invigorating, and I am looking forward to continuing the drive for strength and growth for our sector. This position also gives me the platform to encourage more diversity across industry, which is incredibly important.”

Vice president Ian Wilkie said: “It is a huge honour to have been elected to this role. I am passionate about engineering, manufacturing and other businesses playing a positive contribution in our country’s economy. At the heart of this are hardworking people, committed to making a difference. Scottish Engineering has a proud record of highlighting the importance of engineers in our society and recognising the impact they make, and I look forward to working with Paul, Bernie, Aine and the wider organisation to ensure we further strengthen these goals.”

Scottish Engineering’s chief executive Paul Sheerin added: “I am looking forward to continuing working with Bernie and Aine, and welcome Ian as he joins this group. Our industry has a balanced outlook of significant challenges and huge opportunities, and in such a situation the very best of leadership is required to make sure that the balance tips the right way.

“These appointments maintain our enviable record of such quality and commitment from industry leaders for our president, vice president, and past president positions. Bernie’s has shown a strong commitment to encourage more women into engineering, and to make sure their voice is heard when they arrive, and I know she is keen for this to be replicated for everyone entering engineering too.”