CBI appoints new Scotland Director

Following an extensive and competitive recruitment process, the CBI is set to appoint Michelle Ferguson as its new Scotland Director, starting from January 2025.

With expertise across a range of sectors, Michelle has held a number of high-profile leadership positions, including serving as UK Managing Director of Social Enterprises at Royal British Legion Industries and founding, on their behalf, Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company – which went on to win awards for their enterprise and business growth,

Throughout her career, Michelle has developed an outstanding reputation for high performance, including growing companies, leading transformation, and ensuring businesses deliver on their values and social purpose.

Michelle has also served as a Non-Executive Director of the Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, where she has gained valuable insight into the day-to-day pressures facing Scottish businesses.

Tracy Black, CBI Strategy Director and Devolved Nations Ambassador, said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to appoint Michelle as the CBI’s new Director for Scotland. Michelle is an outstanding candidate and brings huge leadership experience to the team. With established links across various levels of government, and with a solid grounding in the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish businesses, Michelle is perfectly placed to take up the role as we head into a crucial year for the Scottish economy.

“I’d also like to this opportunity to thank Mags Simpson for her work in leading the team over the past few months. From welcoming the Chancellor of the Exchequer to Scotland to supporting members across all sectors, Mags has done an outstanding job in keeping CBI Scotland on the front foot in a year of huge change for the country and uncertainty for business. Mags will continue to drive forward our policy work and make sure that the voice of CBI Scotland members is heard clearly in Westminster and Holyrood.”

Michelle Ferguson, incoming CBI Scotland Director, said:

“It’s a huge privilege to take on this wonderful role and to work with Mags and the rest of the team to champion the interests of Scottish business. I’m absolutely convinced that Scotland is one of the best places in the world to live, work and start a business and that the excellence and innovation of the Scottish business community is up there with the very best around.

“I also believe strongly in the social impact of business, to create jobs, opportunity, and thriving communities across every part of the country. That all starts with commercial success. With costs still biting and skills shortages continuing to hold back growth, I’m determined to help Scottish firms overcome the challenges they face every day and seize the incredible opportunities available in the global economy.”

About Michelle:

Michelle Ferguson is a highly accomplished leader with a distinguished career spanning the commercial and third sector, manufacturing, and consultancy. She is best known for her transformative leadership and commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces.

Michelle played a pivotal role in founding Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting Armed Forces veterans. Following this success, she took on the leadership of RBLI’s (Royal British Legion Industries) Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company operations in Aylesford and Leatherhead. Overseeing three factories across the UK, Michelle drove significant operational improvements while maintaining a strong focus on social impact, providing employment opportunities for veterans and individuals with disabilities in competitive markets.

Earlier in her career, Michelle revitalised St Andrew’s First Aid, transforming it into Scotland’s leading provider of First Aid Training. This success highlighted her ability to deliver strategic and operational excellence across diverse organisations.

Alongside her leadership roles, Michelle has worked extensively with local and national governments across the UK, fostering collaboration on key issues such as employment, social enterprise, and sustainability. She is a Non-Executive Director of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, where she supports local businesses by sharing her expertise in governance and strategy.