Stuart Black, Chief Executive, Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Stuart Black took up this position in 2022 having previously held the role of Interim Lead Area Manager.

Originally from Inverness, Stuart is a graduate of the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, where he gained a doctorate in town and regional planning.

Stuart began his career with the University of Aberdeen, before joining HIE for the first time in 1996, as head of economics. Between then and 2008, he held several posts covering different parts of the organisation’s remit. These included Local Enterprise Company Chief Executive, Director of Strengthening Communities, and Director of Global Connections.

From 2008 to 2020, he was a member of the senior team at the Highland Council, initially as Director of Planning and Development, and later as Executive Chief Officer for Transformation and Economy.