There has been a changing of the guard at the top of Aberdeen Inspired as long-serving chairman Allan Henderson steps down from the post and entrepreneur and businesswoman Dr Jeanette Forbes, OBE, takes on the role.
The handover happened at a recent board meeting of the city centre Business Improvement District (BID), which aims to attract, sustain and boost investment in Aberdeen’s city centre for the benefit of its levy payers and all those who live, work, shop and visit there.
Allan Henderson, CEO of The McGinty’s Group, the largest independent hospitality group in Aberdeen, has been chairman of Aberdeen Inspired for nine years and on the board for almost 13 years.
As he stepped down, Allan – who is also a board member of The Scottish Hospitality Group which lobbies both the Scottish and Westminster governments on behalf of the industry – spoke of his pride over his role with Aberdeen Inspired.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Aberdeen Inspired and was particularly proud of bringing transformational events to the city, like Nuart and The Tall Ships Races,” he said
“Winning a host of awards, not least the British BID Of the Year and the European BID Of The year in 2017 were fantastic achievements during my time,” added Allan, who through Aberdeen Inspired has chaired the Scottish Cities Bid Group for the past four years.
“I was fortunate to have Adrian Watson as AI’s CEO, who has done an exceptional job on behalf of the almost 700 levy payers, and a great board who have all contributed enormously to the success of Aberdeen Inspired.
“As Aberdeen goes through the difficult transition from oil and gas to greener energies, the work of Aberdeen Inspired is critical moving forward to promote our great city.”
Dr Jeanette Forbes, OBE, the new chair of Aberdeen Inspired, presenting outgoing chairman Allan Henderson, with a special gift of engraved glasses to mark his 13 years with the Business Improvement District. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Dr Jeanette Forbes - founder of globally-recognised IT firm PCL group and owner of award-winning wine bar Grape & Grain plus the popular restaurant, Mediterranean - spoke of her delight at taking on the role.
“It is a true honour to be appointed chair of Aberdeen Inspired, an organisation dedicated to shaping our city centre into a vibrant, welcoming heart for residents, workers, and visitors alike,” said Jeanette, who was awarded an OBE for services to business, technology, and charity in 2020.
“Recent highlights - from the Tall Ships filling our harbour with sails and spectacle, to the arrival of more cruise ships and a thriving calendar of events - have reminded us of Aberdeen’s spirit as a city by the sea. They show that our story is far richer than simply our reputation as the energy capital of Europe.
“Working with our partners, businesses, and communities, I want to harness that momentum and chart a course towards creating a city centre that fully reflects our heritage, is cherished by those who call it home, and remembered fondly by those who visit.
“I believe in giving back, and for me that means serving the city that has given me so much. For 37 years, Aberdeen has been my anchor - where I raised my family, built my career, and grew my businesses - and my gratitude runs deep.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, thanked both Allan and Jeanette for playing pivotal roles in the continued success of the BID.
“Allan has been a tireless champion of Aberdeen Inspired through his many years on the board and as chairman. His wealth of experience and his passion for the city has been an inspiration and a guiding light for the entire team, always encouraging us to do the best we can to make the city all it could, should and can be,” he said.
“We are now looking forward to working with Jeanette who we know will be just as passionate and just as driven. You need only look at the successful contribution she has made to the city through her business acumen in sectors including oil and gas, IT and hospitality to realise how fortunate Aberdeen Inspired is to have her as our chair and as an ambassador for the city.”
Adrian said Jeanette takes up the mantle at a pivotal moment for the city, as it looks at ways to build on the overwhelming success of The Tall Ships Races 2025 and the ‘Team Aberdeen’ spirit which the event created, along with the euphoria of the Dons winning the Scottish Cup.
“I can think of no one better than Jeanette to lead our team through the coming months and years,” he said.