City Council appoints top official to help boost economy
02/07/09
Aberdeen City Council has filled the newly created post of Project Director to promote the city's business and economy.
Gerry Brough will take up the post later this summer, moving from his current position as a Director of Consulting with DTZ, one of the world's largest real estate advisers.
City Council Chief Executive Sue Bruce said: "Gerry's extensive background in business and economic development was a perfect match for the job. The city council needs to be at heart of the business community and playing a full role in enabling it to diversify and grow. He will be a very important part of our team and will help us drive the city forward."
City Council Leader Councillor Kate Dean commented: "Aberdeen is a city that means business and Gerry will bring his huge experience to bear on building even further on our vigorous enterprise culture. We are entering an exciting period for Aberdeen over the next few years as we make the most of this city's potential and Gerry will help us grasp the opportunities with both hands."
Deputy Leader Councillor Kevin Stewart said: "Economic development is not just about the business sector. Building on our international energy expertise and diversifying our economy will bring big benefits to every one of our citizens. Gerry has a great track record in regeneration and that will stand both him and us in great stead as we capitalise on our successes for the benefit of all."
Married with two grown-up daughters, Dundee-born Mr Brough, 52, is a graduate of the University of St Andrews, holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Glasgow and a Postgraduate Diploma in marketing from Napier University. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
He began his career in economic development in Lanarkshire, where he was heavily involved in the regeneration of the area following the decline of the steel industry. His career then saw him move on to become a manager with the Scottish Development Agency, with a cross-Scotland remit to work with local enterprise trusts.
He worked for the Tayside Enterprise Board for three years as a project analyst, advising on investment in local companies. Mr Brough then worked for Scottish Enterprise from 1991 to 2000, most of which was spent as a member of the senior management team of Lanarkshire Development Agency. His work included heading up the LDA's effort to attract foreign investment to the area after the closure of Ravenscraig Steel Plant in the early 90s.
He then worked as a freelance consultant and project manager on economic regeneration projects in Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Romania and the Czech Republic. Mr Brough then moved to his current position with DTZ in 2004.
He said: "I am absolutely delighted to have been offered the chance to bring my knowledge and experience to bear on the further development of Aberdeen's economy. It is a tremendous opportunity to work for one of the UK's most ambitious and forward-looking cities and I am relishing the challenge of building ever closer links between the city council and business for the good of the city as a whole."
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 08456 080910.
