New Finance Director appointment

“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”

Following an announcement made to staff in June, the James Hutton Institute has confirmed the recruitment of Hugh Darby as its new Director of Finance and Company Secretary, replacing Derek Leslie who is stepping down after almost three years’ service.

Mr Darby is an experienced business professional who joins the Institute building on a successful career as Director of Finance and Acting Chief Financial Officer at the University of Strathclyde and with considerable experience in the legal and energy sectors. He will work in partnership with Mr Leslie during September to ensure a managed handover and will take up the post on a full-time basis in mid-October.

Professor Colin Campbell, the Institute’s Chief Executive, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Hugh to the Institute and we look forward to working with him in furthering our ambitions to further diversify revenue sources and deliver our corporate objectives. His finance, research-sector and business experience is well-aligned to the initiatives and opportunities ahead of us.

“We are grateful to Derek for all the hard work and ideas he has contributed to the success of the James Hutton Institute, and wish him well. He leaves the Institute’s finances in a more modern, well-organised and resilient state.”

Mr Darby 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.”

Derek Leslie said: “I have enjoyed working at the James Hutton Institute 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, Directors of Science; Alasdair Cox, Director of Operations; and Hugh Darby as Director of Finance and Company Secretary.