The Man Who Wants Most Unpopular Job in Edinburgh

Submitted by edg on Fri, 28 Jan '11 9.40am

The City of Edinburgh Council's recruitment committee has recommended Vic Emery as its preferred candidate for the position of combined chair for the boards of its wholly owned companies Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (tie) and Transport Edinburgh Limited (TEL). The roles carry a combined salary of £55,000.

According to a release, Mr Emery is the current chair of the Scottish Police Services Authority and has chaired the New Campus Glasgow Project.

It says: "He was the managing director of various BAE Systems companies, building on a range of senior positions in the shipbuilding industry. He has held other board positions in enterprise support agencies and maritime organisations."

Mr Emery was chosen after interviews were carried out on Wednesday 26 January, but he will need to be formally approved by the Council at its meeting on 3 February.

"Out of a very strong field, Vic was our unanimous choice," said Council Leader Councillor Jenny Dawe.

"He has everything we need for the job - outstanding interpersonal, communication, negotiation and project management skills. He will provide excellent support for the Chief Executive of tie and I look forward to working with him as we enter a difficult period. We remain absolutely committed to delivering on our vision for a clean, green and efficient transport system for Edinburgh and I'm delighted at the prospect of Vic being part of the team that helps to achieve that."

Mr Emery said: "I have always taken a great deal of personal satisfaction from managing major projects. A position as significant as this, with such a high-profile initiative, will require all the experience I have gained in the public and private sectors over many years. It's an opportunity I very much relish."

Richard Jeffrey, Chief Executive of tie/Tel, said: “We will be delighted to welcome Vic to the Boards of both organisations. His wealth of experience from other Boards will be a valuable addition as we move the project forward."