James Hutton Institute appoints new Director of Finance

"It is a pleasure to welcome Derek to the Institute and we look forward to working with him in furthering our new five-year Corporate Plan. His finance, commercial and business experience is well-aligned to the initiatives and opportunities ahead of us.

Following an announcement made to staff earlier this month, the James Hutton Institute has confirmed the recruitment of Derek Leslie as its new Director of Finance and Company Secretary, replacing Beth Corcoran who is stepping down after four years of service.

Mr Leslie is an experienced business professional who joins the Institute building further on a successful career as a Finance Director in the Food and Drink industry and brings much experience in change management having worked in different organisations in the UK and abroad. He will work in partnership with Ms Corcoran during December to ensure a managed handover and will take up the post on a full-time basis in January 2017.

Professor Colin Campbell, the Institute’s Chief Executive, said: “We are grateful to Beth for all the hard work and ideas she has contributed to the success of the James Hutton Institute, and wish her well. She leaves the Institute’s Finance and Corporate Services in a well-organised and more resilient state.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Derek to the Institute and we look forward to working with him in furthering our new five-year Corporate Plan. His finance, commercial and business experience is well-aligned to the initiatives and opportunities ahead of us.”

Mr Leslie commented: “I am excited to be joining the James Hutton Institute in this role and look forward to working with my new colleagues and contribute to the further success and growth of the Institute.”

Beth Corcoran said: “I have enjoyed working at the James Hutton Institute and have many friends and colleagues who I will miss and wish the Institute every success in the future.”

The James Hutton Institute’s Executive team is now formed by Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive; Professor Bob Ferrier, Director of Research; Professors Deb Roberts and Lesley Torrance, interim Directors of Science; Alasdair Cox, Director of Operations; Fraser Black, Managing Director of James Hutton Ltd; and Derek Leslie as Director of Finance and Company Secretary.