Scottish Government names new Director-General for Economy

Louise Macdonald has joined the Scottish Government, leading on economic transformation as Scotland recovers from the pandemic.

Macdonald, currently National Director of the Institute of Directors (IoD), will be replacing Elinor Mitchell as Director-General Economy, leading delivery of the government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

Permanent Secretary John-Paul Marks said: “I am delighted to welcome Louise Macdonald to my executive team and to the Scottish Government. 

“Louise has an impressive commitment to growth, reform and inclusion and is a champion for transformation in Scotland’s economy. 

“We want to build deep partnerships across private, voluntary and public sectors and Louise brings new leadership and creative energy at this important time for Scotland as we strive to build coalitions and embed recovery, whilst grappling with complex global challenges.”

Macdonald will take on the fixed term, 11-month role from May 2^nd, providing leadership on the delivery of economic transformation, collaborating with business and stakeholders across a range of sectors and services, including trade and investment, business support, employability and place based economic development and skills development.

There are eight Directors-General who head up the Scottish civil service. A Director-General manages directorates and agencies which are responsible for proposing legislation and putting Scottish Government policy into practice.