Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) has announced the appointment of Alison Wilson as its permanent Managing Director, following a period as Interim Managing Director during which the organisation has continued to build momentum across investment, partnership working and delivery.
Since joining ICFGF as Investment and Development Manager in March last year, Alison has played a hands-on role in the Green Freeport’s transition working with partners to help turn the organisation’s ambitions for economic growth, inward investment and job creation into progress on the ground.
Alison has more than 30 years’ experience in economic development, investment and partnership working across the Highlands. Alongside her role at ICFGF, she is Highland Chair of the Institute of Directors and a Non-Executive Director of New Start Highland. She previously held senior leadership roles with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Her appointment comes as ICFGF enters an important new phase. Over the coming months, partners within the Green Freeport are expected to reach a series of significant milestones, with major investments progressing across the tax sites, and a further wave of infrastructure and development projects moving forward to support future investment, business growth and opportunities for communities across the region.
As Managing Director, Alison will lead the organisation’s continued work with partners to maximise the opportunities presented by Green Freeport status and deliver lasting benefits for the Highlands.
Jim Smith, Chair of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, said, “The Board is delighted to appoint Alison as our permanent Managing Director.
“Since joining the organisation, Alison has built trusted relationships across business, government and our regional partners, and played a key role in investments made to-date and progress underway across our tax sites. She has a proven ability to bring people together around a shared ambition and understands that collaboration is the key to delivering the Green Freeport’s long-term success.
“The Board was unanimous in its decision to appoint Alison. She combines strategic leadership with a collaborative approach and a genuine passion for the Highlands. We know she will lead the organisation with energy, integrity and a clear focus on delivering lasting benefits for the region, and we look forward to working with her as the Green Freeport enters its next phase of delivery.”
Alison Wilson, Managing Director of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, said, “The Green Freeport has a real opportunity to make a lasting difference to the Highlands over the years ahead. We’ve built strong foundations and, over the next 12 to 18 months, we’ll see major projects reaching important milestones, new infrastructure and development projects coming forward, and more opportunities emerging for businesses and communities across the region.
“What makes the Green Freeport special is the strength of the partnership behind it. Every partner brings something different, but we’re all working towards the same goal. Together, we’re far stronger than we could ever be on our own.“I’m incredibly fortunate to work with such a talented, committed and passionate team, alongside an experienced Board and partners who care deeply about the future of the Highlands. Our role is to help create the conditions for others to succeed, and I’m looking forward to working with them all to help unlock investment, support businesses to grow and ensure more people can benefit from the opportunities the Green Freeport will bring.”