Creative Scotland, the new arts body that will replace Scottish Screen and the Scottish Arts Council, is to be chaired by Ewan Brown during its transition process.

Brown, the vice chairman of Edinburgh International Festival and a former chairman of Lloyds TSB Scotland, will work with the existing creative bodies during the formation of Creative Scotland.

He plans to step down once the new organisation achieves non-departmental public body (NDPB) status, measures for which will be included in the Public Services Reform Bill scheduled to be introduced in 2009.

"As we enter the final phase of setting up Creative Scotland, I am confident that Ewan Brown will be an effective advocate of its aspirations to make Scotland a truly creative nation, valued at home and recognised abroad," said Culture Minister Linda Fabiani.

"He, together with the new company board once appointed, will start work later this year on bringing the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen together and creating an innovative single organisation fit for the 21st century."

Brown added: "Creative Scotland represents a real opportunity to better serve and better appreciate Scotland's creative community. My focus will be on developing the role, remit and structure of this new organisation and establishing strong working relationships with other key bodies to support and nurture our creative sector."

The Scottish Government is aiming for Creative Scotland – once it is established as an NDPB – to support the creative arts in Scotland, promote their understanding and appreciation, and develop creative excellence.

Brown has said he will not take a wage for his work with the new national arts organisation.