Inverness Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of four new Directors to its Board, confirmed at its recent Annual General Meeting today (Friday 24 April). Helen Inkster, Victoria Leslie, Chris Hawkes and Lindsay McCallum join the Board, bringing a diverse and complementary range of skills, sector insight and leadership experience.
While the Chamber had initially sought to appoint two new Directors, the exceptional calibre and breadth of candidates led to the decision to appoint four. Helen and Victoria were appointed to three-year board terms at the AGM, while Chris and Lindsay were co-opted to join the board for a 12-month period. This reflects the Chamber’s commitment to ensuring its Board continues to represent the diversity of the Highland business community and is equipped with the insight and expertise needed to support members in a fast-changing economic landscape.
Each of the new Directors brings a distinct and valuable perspective. Helen Inkster, Managing Director of Pentland Ferries, offers extensive experience in transport, infrastructure and rural enterprise, alongside a strong focus on resilience and sustainable regional growth. Victoria Leslie, Joint Managing Partner at Ledingham Chalmers LLP, contributes significant expertise in governance, risk and legal matters, as well as a strong track record in advocacy and stakeholder engagement. Chris Hawkes, Co-founder and CEO of Strut, brings insight into the creative and digital economy, with a focus on innovation, collaboration and emerging technologies. Lindsay McCallum, Founder and Director of Braedown, adds deep experience in strategic communications, public affairs and policy, particularly in relation to energy transition and inclusive economic growth.
As the voice of business in the Highlands, Inverness Chamber of Commerce plays a key role in representing its members at a local, national and increasingly international level—championing the opportunities within the region while ensuring that the challenges faced by businesses are clearly understood by decision-makers. A strong and representative Board is central to this work, providing strategic direction, informed challenge and sector insight to support the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy and engagement.
Welcoming the new appointments, Chamber President Marc Wilson said, “Bringing Helen, Victoria, Chris and Lindsay onto the Board significantly strengthens our ability to represent our membership and the breadth of sectors that make up the Highland economy. Each brings valuable experience and perspective that will support our work as a strong, credible voice for business.
“As a Chamber, our role is to connect, support and represent our members—ensuring their views are heard in the decisions that shape our economy, both locally and beyond. I look forward to working with our new Directors as we continue to build on that role and deliver on our strategic priorities.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our outgoing Directors, Sarah Lilley and Kirstin MacDonald, for their commitment and contribution during their time on the Board. Their insight and support have been greatly valued.”
These appointments mark a further step in strengthening the Chamber’s leadership as it continues to be at the heart of Highland business.