1 February 2018
Extended Appointment of Interim Chair at Creative Scotland
The Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, today announced the extension of the appointment of Ben Thomson as Interim Chairof the Creative Scotland Board to 9 February. The short extension is to allow for the current board decisions on regular funding to be completed before the handing over to a new chair.
Interim Chair
Ben Thomson took over in July 2017 as interim chair for a six monthperiod following the sudden death of Richard Findlay. In his six month term Ben Thomson has led the organisation through the review of regular funding and the creation of the new Screen Unit.
Prior to taking on the role as Chair of Creative Scotland on an interim basis on the 26th of July 2017,Ben Thomsonhadjust completed two very successful terms as chair of the National Galleries of Scotland. His eight year tenure as Chair of the NGS saw the redevelopment of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the extension of the Galleries’ work across Scotland through the Artist Rooms programme and the Generation project of contemporary art celebration around the Commonwealth Games, as well as record visitor numbers at the Galleries’ sites in Edinburgh.
Ben Thomson has held a wide range of non-executive directorships over his career. He is currently Chair of Inverleith LLP, a corporate finance advisory business and a Non-Executive Director of The Artisanal Spirits Company Limited, the parent company of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. He does not hold any other ministerial appointments.
APPOINTMENT
This extension of appointmentwill be for nine daysand will run from 1 February 2018to 9 February 2018.
This appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland.
REMUNERATION
This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £250 per day for a time commitment of four days per month.
OTHER MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
Ben Thomson does not hold any other public appointments.
POLITICAL ACTIVITY
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.
Ben Thomson has not undertaken any political activity in the last five years.
BACKGROUND
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. It enables people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life.
The new chair will have a role in the recruitment of board members,including replacements for Professor Maggie Kinloch and Ruth Wishart, who resigned on 30 January 2018.