Jim Pettigrew joins as new Chair of Scottish Ballet

Today, Scottish Ballet announces that Jim Pettigrew will take over as Chair of the Board of Directors, when current Chair Norman Murray steps down, after leading the Board for seven successful years.

Following an extensive search, led by FWB Park Brown (Edinburgh), the appointment was made based on recommendations from the succession panel of three current Scottish Ballet Board members; Barbara Allison, Jann Brown and Keith Ruddock.

Jim Pettigrew joins the Scottish Ballet Board in September 2020 and will take over as Chair from the Annual General Meeting in December. He brings to the position more than 30 years’ senior leadership experience, in both executive and non-executive roles.

Born in Dundee, Jim graduated in Law from Aberdeen University and undertook a postgraduate Accountancy qualification at Glasgow University. In his career as a chartered accountant within UK and international financial services, Jim has worked with a number of the UK’s top entrepreneurs on complex business transformations and flotations.

Key institutional roles under his leadership have included President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and a past Chairman of the Scottish Financial Services industry body SFE. He also served a 3-year term as co-chair of Scotland’s Financial Services Advisory Board (FiSAB) with the First Minister of Scotland and, during this time, sat on TheCityUK Advisory Board. Jim recently retired as Chairman of Virgin Money and CYBG plc (Clydesdale Bank) having overseen the Clydesdale Bank’s successful flotation and acquisition of Virgin Money.

Jim is currently Senior Independent Director of wealth manager Rathbones plc as well as Chairman of asset manager BlueBay. He has recently been appointed Chair of Dundee Heritage Trust, the independent charity that cares for the RRS Discovery and Verdant Works mill.

Newly appointed Chair of Scottish Ballet, Jim Pettigrew said: ‘I am thrilled to be joining Scottish Ballet as Chair of the Board. During their 50th anniversary year, I was blown away by their creative flair and am truly inspired by their work engaging with communities. I look forward to bringing my experience to the company, as they continue to shine beyond their golden year.’

Retiring Chair of Scottish Ballet, Norman Murray, said: ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Scottish Ballet. It is an impressive organisation, driven by imagination, energy and ambition; the world-renowned dancers, outstanding leadership team, and committed staff continue to inspire on stage and beyond. I am fully confident that Jim, with his notable leadership experience and enthusiasm, will successfully take the Company forward to the next stage of its development. My wife Pam and I will look forward to continuing to support the Company and all it seeks to achieve in the years ahead.’

Scottish Ballet Vice Chair, and selection committee member, Jann Brown, said: ‘I was very impressed with the outstanding level of candidates who presented for this key role. Our process was robust and extensive, and Jim emerged as the unanimous choice of the panel – an exceptional individual, with significant Chair experience and civic-minded values that will stand the company in good stead as it continues to grow and move forward.’

CEO/Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet, Christopher Hampson, said: ‘On behalf of the company, I want to thank Norman for a highly successful tenure that has seen him dedicate himself to Scottish Ballet with passion and commitment. We are delighted to be welcoming Jim to the company. His tremendous enthusiasm for all that Scottish Ballet delivers, coupled with his extensive experience, ensures that we enter our next chapter with strong and thoughtful leadership.’

To find out more about Scottish Ballet, visit: https://www.scottishballet.co.uk/