Chair and Non-Executive Director Appointed to the Board of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd

The Minister for Transport and Veterans today announced the appointment of Erik Østergaard as the new Chair of the Board of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd.  He also announced the appointment of Morag McNeill as a Non-Executive Director of the Board.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said:

“I am delighted that Erik Østergaard has agreed to be the new Chair of the Board of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd for the next three years.  I also welcome Morag McNeill who has agreed to join the Board of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd.

“Both Erik and Morag bring a wealth of business expertise, and direct experience in the maritime sector, to these roles.  I am sure both will provide strong corporate governance and leadership to CMAL.

“I wish them well in the challenges that lie ahead as they help CMAL to deliver on the Scottish Government’s Ferries Plan.”

Grenville Johnston commented:

“Having worked closely with Erik since 2006, I can say with great confidence that he will do a fantastic job. I’m pleased to be handing the baton over to someone with such a depth of understanding about CMAL and who will continue to steer the organisation on a successful path.

“I wish Erik the best of luck for the future as CMAL’s new chairman.”

Erik Østergaard is Chief Executive Officer of the Trade and Employers Organization, Danish Transport and Logistics, comprising 2,100 Danish transport and logistics member companies.

He has more than 30 years of experience in senior management positions in the shipping, ferry and transport industry and has previously worked for one of Europe’s largest ferry companies, Scandlines AG, as well as the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Originally trained in shipping, he later studied international economics and management at some of the world’s leading business schools such as IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland and Boot School of Business, University of Chicago, USA from where he earned a degree as Master of Business Administration.

Erik has held and holds office as a Non-Executive Chairman or Director of a number of companies in the shipping and transportation industry, numerous government committees and boards of trade organisations.  He has been a Non-Executive Director of CMAL since 2006 and is currently Chair of CMAL’s Audit Committee.

In 2004, he was bestowed the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Dannebrog by the Danish Queen.

Morag McNeill is a qualified solicitor with over 25 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer.

She was a senior partner in McGrigors LLP (now part of Pinsent Masons LLP) and latterly, was General Counsel at Forth Ports plc.  Morag has extensive experience in the ports and harbours sector and a strong background in corporate governance.  Morag is also a board member of Aberdeen Harbour Board, Social Investment Scotland and the Resources Board of the Scottish Government.  She is also a member of three audit and risk committees and is on the board of three charities.

Time Commitment and Remuneration

The appointments will be for three years and will run from May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2017.

These appointments are part-time.  The Chair appointment attracts remuneration of £349 per day for a time commitment of six days per month.  The Non-Executive Director appointment attracts remuneration of £308 per day for a time commitment of three days per month.

Other Public Appointments

Neither of the new appointees holds other Ministerial appointments.

This appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland.

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.  Neither of the new appointees has undertaken any political activity in the last five years.

Note for Editors

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd owns the ferries, ports and harbours and infrastructure necessary for vital ferry services serving the West coast of Scotland and the Clyde Estuary.  They are wholly owned by the Scottish Government with Scottish Ministers the sole shareholders.  The Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd Board has an executive management team and supporting staff at headquarters in Port Glasgow.  They aim to provide efficient, cost-effective and safe ferries, harbours and port infrastructure for operators, communities and users in and around Scotland.

The company supports the Government’s aim of sustainable economic growth in island and coastal communities and works to deliver these public services efficiently and effectively against a backdrop of significant pressure on public spending.