and promotes the interests of crofting in Scotland
to secure the future of crofting.
New Chief Executive Appointed to the Crofting Commission
23/10/2023
New Chief Executive Appointed to the Crofting Commission
The Crofting Commission is delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Campbell as its new Chief Executive.
Gary has a wealth of experience in the public and private sectors, including a strong track record of working in the Highlands and Islands. He is a Chartered Accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). He trained with EY (previously Ernst & Young) in their Inverness office and spent 30 years working with the company across the Highlands and Islands, advising commercial businesses. He has worked for the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) for the last 11 years. He is currently a member of the Senior Management Team at UHI, most recently holding the post of Director of Economic Development and Commercial Services. Previously, as Key Account Director, he led the university’s employer engagement team which involved extensive interaction with businesses, communities and other public and third sector organisations across the Highlands and Islands.
Gary also has previous CEO experience, having run a Tain based manufacturing company with a worldwide customer base.
Mr Campbell is based in Inverness but grew up in Taynuilt, Argyll where he was brought up on the family croft, which has been the family home for as far back as records are available.
For the past four years he has also been a Trustee of Inverness Harbour, where he currently also holds the non-executive role of Vice Chair.
Mr Campbell will take up his new role as Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission on the 3rd of January 2024.
Commenting on his appointment, Gary said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission. I have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing crofting and am passionate about supporting crofters and their communities to thrive.
“I look forward to working with the Commission’s Board, staff and stakeholders to deliver on the Commission’s strategic plan and to help shape the future of crofting in Scotland.”
Chairman of the Crofting Commission, Malcolm Mathieson, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Gary as the new Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and is passionate about supporting crofting and rural communities.
“I am confident that Gary will be a valuable asset to the Commission and that he will lead the organisation effectively in the years to come.”
Minister for Energy and the Environment, Gillian Martin added:
“I am delighted that Gary has accepted the position and will join the Commission as Chief Executive.
I would like to thank Bill Barron for his service as CEO, under his tenure the Crofting Commission successfully navigated a number of challenges. The Commission is now focused on improving its function as an effective regulator and to helping to deliver Scottish Government priorities for crofting, not least to increase the active use of crofts and common grazings.”
“I know that Gary will bring a range of skills and experience to this role and look forward to working closely with him.
