Ian Russell has today been appointed as chair of Scottish Futures Trust (SFT).

Previously an executive director of Scottish Power Plc for 12 years, initially as finance director and then as chief executive, Mr Russell has held a number of non-executive positions in a variety of commercial and public sector organisations for the past 10 years.

Announcing the appointment cabinet secretary for finance and the constitution, Derek Mackay, said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of Ian Russell to lead the board of the Scottish Futures Trust, building on the good foundation laid by Sir Angus Grossart the current chair. Ian brings with him relevant experience and business acumen to lead SFT with vision to ensure our strategic objectives are met and deliver improved productivity and value for money from infrastructure investment in Scotland.”

SFT was established in 2008 to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure investment in Scotland by working collaboratively with public bodies & industry, challenging conventional processes and devising pioneering, commercially attractive programmes which lead to better value-for-money and ultimately improved public services. SFT’s impact ranges from developing future digital options to affordable housing.

The appointment will last four years and run from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021.