Two new HIE Board members appointed

Two new appointments to the Board of HIE have been confirmed by the Scottish Government.

Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, has approved three-year terms as non-executive directors for Allan Clow and Melanie Collett. Both appointments came into effect from 1 May 2024.

Allan Clow brings a strong strategic skill set based on extensive experience in finance, commercial and change management and business turnaround. 

An accountant with over 30 years’ experience across a range of industries, he has held finance director positions in several private companies. Latterly, he was managing director of Bancon Construction, delivering affordable housing in the Highlands and Islands and significant projects including Inverness WASPs studio and the Inverness Castle project.  

Allan lives near Ullapool and currently holds non-executive director positions with the University of the Highlands and Islands, Wheatley Group, Turning Point Scotland and Glencraft Mattresses.

Melanie Collett is currently a managing director at Aviva Investors’ real assets business activity, investing in forestry, peatland, infrastructure and real estate including renewable energy and sustainable investment.  

A chartered surveyor with over 20 years’ international experience in banking, direct acquisitions and leading business teams through change, she recently spearheaded a sizeable business transformation project for growth and efficiency.

Melanie grew up in Moray where her father was based at RAF Lossiemouth and subsequently established a restaurant in Elgin. A lifelong advocate for the Highlands and Islands, she moved back to Moray in 2018. 

Welcoming the appointments, Chair of HIE Alistair Dodds said: “The Board plays a vital role in setting strategic direction and providing oversight for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. 

“It’s important that Board membership covers a broad range of skills that reflect the diverse economy of our region and equip us to support HIE to develop opportunities and address challenges affecting our businesses and communities.

“I am delighted that we have attracted two new Board members of outstanding merit and look forward to working with Allan and Melanie in the months and years ahead.”

The two positions became vacant at the end of March when Amanda Bryan and Belinda Oldfield completed their second terms as HIE Board members.