Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has engaged Andrew McCallum, managing director of Aspect Reputation Management, to advise and support on policy and government affairs matters until the end of 2018 following recent changes in the Chamber leadership team.
Andrew is an experienced corporate affairs professional and trusted advisor having held senior positions in energy, oil and gas, transport and infrastructure in listed blue-chip environments, with private equity shareholders and governments. His expertise spans media and public relations, government and regulatory affairs, policy and international relations, crisis management, brand development, sustainability, governance and risk management.
Earlier this year former policy director James Bream left the Chamber to become general manager of Katoni Engineering; and Liam Smyth, deputy chief executive, who was temporarily leading on policy activity, has this month been appointed international trade director at the British Chambers of Commerce in London.
Andrew will work closely with Chamber chief executive Russell Borthwick and other members of the team to deliver in a number of priority areas including:
- Transport infrastructure including rail improvements, station gateway and key road projects
- 5G and digital connectivity
- Business rates
- Refreshed regional economic strategy, industrial strategy and progressing the agenda around greater devolution of fiscal powers to regions
- Version 3 of the investment tracker
“Both James and Liam have done an excellent job and we remain committed to progressing the ambitious agenda approved by our policy council and outlined in our 2018 policy plan,” said Russell.
“Andrew will maintain strong relationships with our regional partners to promote a joined up approach in the delivery of our activities. He’ll also represent the Chamber at external meetings and events, and work with our members to further our key campaigns.”
Aspect provides strategic advice to help organisations and individuals build trust and protect their reputation, influence their policy and regulatory environment and deliver their goals through strategic communication, stakeholder relations and change management.
Andrew McCallum