New director appointed for HIE Inverness and East Highland

James Gibbs has been appointed area director of HIE Inverness and East Highland. He will take up his appointment towards the end of May 2007.

James will move to the post from his current role as area director of HIE Moray, having joined the network in 1999. Prior to joining Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) James worked in industry, in product and international marketing and operations management. He lives on the Black Isle.

James said: "HIE Inverness and East Highland covers one of the most dynamic local economies in the UK and I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to its continued success."

Welcoming James to the local enterprise company - which contains the highest population of any HIE LEC area, Freda Rapson, chair of HIE Inverness and East Highland said: "I am extremely pleased we were able to appoint someone of James' calibre to this important job. I am confident he has the vision and experience needed to push the tremendous attributes of this area further onto the national and international stage during a period of great challenge and opportunity."