Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has welcomed new Aberdeen City Council Chief Executive Andy MacDonald's arrival, marking a "fresh start".
Andy joined the council in 2018 and is currently Executive Director for Corporate Services and Interim Chief Executive. He was selected as the council’s permanent Chief Executive following a recruitment and selection process led by a cross-party Appointment Panel.
He said: “Aberdeen is where I live and work, and where I have built my life over several years. That gives me a very personal commitment to the city’s future, and to making a positive difference for the people and communities who make it what it is.
“It’s a real privilege to be appointed Chief Executive. Aberdeen is exceptionally well placed to seize the opportunities ahead and I want to play my part in helping the city be ambitious, welcoming and inclusive, with opportunity for everyone.
“I’ve seen first-hand what can be achieved when the council works closely with communities, businesses and partner organisations. I’m proud of what has already been delivered, but I also know there is much more to do. My focus will be on building on that work and making a positive difference for the people of Aberdeen every day.”
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Andy’s appointment, saying the move marks a chance to "reset the council’s relationship with the business community".
He said: “It was clear from last week’s Assessment Centre that Andy has genuine affection and ambition for the city.
"He is keen to use his appointment to herald a fresh start in terms of how Aberdeen City Council participates in and contributes to the work of the regional economic partnership.
“I was particularly pleased that he views this as an opportunity to reset the council’s relationship with the business community, with a focus on growth, investment and place and I’m very much looking forward to following up with him in the coming weeks.”
Councillor Alex McLellan, Chair of the Appointment Panel, said: “The recruitment process attracted candidates of a very high calibre, but Andy consistently demonstrated the qualities we were looking for in our next Chief Executive.
“Andy brings extensive leadership experience spanning both local government and the private sector. His knowledge of the organisation, and his dedication to Aberdeen gave the appointment panel confidence that he can provide strong and effective leadership for the Council and the city.
“We are delighted to have made this appointment.”