The Highlands’ largest independent business organisation has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive.
Colin Marr will take up the position at Inverness Chamber of Commerce in May, when the current Chief Executive Stewart Nicol steps down after leading the organisation for almost 15 years.
Colin is well known to many in the Highland business community, having been Chief Executive of Eden Court Theatre and Cinema for 20 years until 2017. Under his leadership, Eden Court developed from a single auditorium to a multi-arts centre; notably Colin planned and implemented all aspects of the £23 million capital development programme, established the largest theatre based Creative Learning programme in the UK and attracted major national and international conferences to the venue.
Since 2017, Colin has been Theatre Director at The Edinburgh Playhouse, where he conceived and completed a successful strategy to reposition the theatre as the premier venue in Edinburgh and initiated plans for long term capital development, with phase 2 due to complete this year.
Colin was also the founding Chair of Visit Inverness Loch Ness, the UK’s first Tourism Business Improvement District, and was instrumental in securing significant financial support from Visit Britain to support these initial years.
Commenting on the appointment, Andrew Stott, President of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to have appointed someone of Colin’s calibre and experience to take Inverness Chamber of Commerce forward and build on the excellent work that has been achieved under Stewart’s leadership.
“As well as being a strong communicator, Colin has a proven track record of working at senior level in the private sector and extensive experience of strategic partnership working. He joins Inverness Chamber of Commerce at an exciting time, leading a well-established, growing business with an excellent reputation and long term strategy.”
Colin said: “I am delighted to be returning to Inverness and to be leading Inverness Chamber of Commerce at this exciting time for the region. Stewart Nicol has done a tremendous job over the last 15 years and leaves the Chamber in a strong place. I look forward to building on Stewart’s legacy, and to working alongside the dedicated staff and Board teams to support all our member businesses.”
