Highlands and Islands Enterprise has appointed Martin Johnson as acting area director of local enterprise company HIE Moray.

Mr Johnson (36) has worked for the HIE network for the past five and a half years, most recently as HIE Moray's head of operations.

Previously he was a development officer with the Shetland local enterprise company and a business growth manager with HIE's growing businesses group, based in Inverness.

Before joining HIE, Mr Johnson gained an MA in accountancy at Aberdeen University, a post graduate diploma in administration and information management at Napier University, a post graduate diploma in Management Studies and an MSc in Management at Robert Gordon University.

He also undertook a two-year secondment as a senior development executive with Scottish Development International, working to improve Scotland's export performance and attract international investment to the country.

Douglas Yule, HIE area operations director, explained: "We are delighted to have appointed Martin to this important role at a challenging time for Moray.

"As acting area director, he will play a critical role in consolidating much of the progress which has been made by the local enterprise company and its partners in recent years, including the Moray 2020 strategy for diversification of the economy.

"Martin's range of experience, combined with his vision and passion for Moray made him an excellent choice to take on the leadership of the LEC."

Derek Bedford, chair of HIE Moray, also congratulated Mr Johnson.

"There's an excellent team in place at the local enterprise company and Martin has already shown great skill and commitment to the area as head of operations.

"I know all the board members will be looking forward to working alongside him in his new role and helping to develop the local enterprise company's plans for the future development of Moray."

Mr Johnson said he was excited at the prospect of taking up the reins at the local enterprise company and eagerly anticipating tackling the challenges which lie ahead.

"Moray has had to deal with some serious issues over the past few years, including job losses at the RAF bases and in food production and fishing," he said.

"However, there are also some terrific opportunities across the whole of the area and I'm greatly looking forward to working on these along with colleagues in HIE Moray and our partners and customers."

Mr Johnson was born and raised in Shetland, where he attended Anderson High School. His connections with Moray go back to early childhood, when he spent many holidays in Findochty, his grandmother's home village.