Stuart Black has been appointed the new chief executive of Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE), following a 10-month period working as the development agency's acting chief executive.

Mr Black took over the reins of INE in October last year when former chief executive, Bill Sylvester was seconded to lead the Inverness Highland 2008 bid.  Last month, Mr Sylvester secured the post of director of partnership projects at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Prior to Mr Black's secondment and subsequent appointment to the post of chief executive of INE, he was director of Strengthening Communities at HIE.  He also previously held the post of head of economics at the Inverness-based agency.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Black said: "I am delighted to have secured this post at an important time in the development of Inverness and Nairn.  I am looking forward to working with partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors to help to realise the area's enormous potential. It is my firm belief that a successful Highlands and Islands needs a successful Inverness and Nairn at its core."

Mr Black is a graduate of Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities and has also been a lecturer in the Department of Land Economy at Aberdeen University.   He grew up in Inverness and attended both Central and Inverness High Schools, and now lives in the city with his wife and three daughters.

Welcoming Mr Black to the post on a permanent basis, INE chairman Ken Mackie said: "The Board were sorry to lose Bill Sylvester as their chief executive but are confident that Stuart Black will be an excellent leader for the organisation at a time of significant change in the Inverness and Nairn Area. The economy of the area has developed tremendously over the past decade and to maintain and improve on this progress many challenges have to be faced.

"I am sure that Stuart has the experience and qualities to meet these challenges. His enthusiasm and energy in everything he does is well recognised and I look forward to working with Stuart in the promotion of Inverness and Nairn."

Sandy Cumming, chief executive at HIE said: "As acting chief executive Stuart made a highly positive contribution to the work of INE.  Having now secured the post of chief executive he and his team can now carry forward the momentum generated over the past 10 months and continue to promote the economic and social development of the area."