New CBI Scotland Chair appointed as business targets sustainable growth

Martin Pibworth, Chief Commercial Officer, SSE, has been appointed CBI Scotland Chair as the business community targets long-term sustainable growth in Scotland.

Martin brings substantial business experience, particularly in the sustainability and net zero sectors, that are essential to unlocking green growth. He succeeds Jennifer Young, Partner, Ledingham Chalmers, as Chair.

Working with the new CBI Scotland Director Michelle Ferguson, Martin will support the CBI team’s continued engagement with the Scottish and UK governments on issues that range from skills shortages and the high-cost burden for business, to opportunities around AI and innovation.

His first meeting as Chair will be the CBI Scotland Q1 Council tomorrow (5 March) in Edinburgh. He will also attend the CBI Scotland Annual Lunch on 21 March at the Intercontinental George Hotel in Edinburgh, a key event in the business and political calendar.

Michelle Ferguson, Director, CBI Scotland, said:

“I congratulate Martin on his appointment as CBI Scotland Chair and thank Jennifer for her hard work. This is a critical time for the business community, and as the UK government continues to drive forward its growth mission, and the Scottish Government encourages firms to invest in net zero, skills and apprenticeships.

“We’ll be working together to tackle many of the issues that are holding back firms’ investment, such as the high cost of doing business. We’ll also be engaging with business to find out how they can be supported in maximising the opportunities created by technology and green growth.

“With MSPs passing the Scottish Budget last week, the UK government’s Spending Review and new Industrial Strategy to be announced soon, and Scottish Parliamentary elections next year, we’ll ensure business has the strong voice it needs in discussions with the UK and devolved governments.”

Martin Pibworth, Chair, CBI Scotland, said:

“It is an honour to be appointed CBI Scotland Chair at this crucial time for businesses in Scotland. While there are undoubtedly economic challenges ahead, I am optimistic about the opportunities we can unlock together through constructive engagement, with both the Scottish and UK governments, on ways to break down barriers to growth, investment and job creation.

“My experience in the energy sector tells me that when businesses and governments work together on an aligned agenda, anything is possible. That’s how Scotland became one of the world’s leading markets for investment in areas like offshore wind – and whether it’s the energy transition or in emerging areas like data and AI, we will need to channel that same spirit of collaboration to ensure we maximise the economic opportunities for Scotland in the months and years ahead. I’m looking forward to working closely with Michelle and our members to deliver on this vital agenda and can’t wait to get started.”

About Martin Pibworth: Martin joined SSE in 1998 as an energy trader, which was followed by a series of commercial roles before becoming Managing Director, Energy Portfolio Management, and a member of SSE’s then Management Board in 2012. In 2014, he was appointed Managing Director, Wholesale, and a member of SSE’s Group Executive Committee. In 2017 he joined the Board as Group Energy Director, this was expanded to Group Energy and Commercial Director in November 2020, and re-titled Chief Commercial Officer in March 2022. He first joined the CBI Scotland Council in August 2022.

He became Vice Chair in January 2023. He will be in post as Chair for two years, effective 1 January 2025.