People: Building confidence with new president

Pert, who is joint managing director of Montrose-based building firm Pert-Bruce Construction, will take charge of the federation's management committee. He succeeds immediate past-president Ian Robb.

SBF chief executive Michael Levack says: "These are tough times for Scottish construction.

"Jamie is taking on this critical role at a time when the industry continues to suffer challenges as a result of the economic downturn, which has seen output fall significantly and the loss of thousands of jobs. The outlook for the forthcoming year remains difficult.

"Now more than ever, the industry needs the benefit of clear leadership and our new president will play a crucial role in fighting the industry's corner. Jamie brings significant experience, enthusiasm and vision, and I am confident SBF will go from strength to strength under his presidency."

In other property news, CB Richard Ellis has named Karen Jamieson, pictured, as director of its property and asset management team in Glasgow. After starting her career in the management department of CBRE in 1995, Jamieson acquired more than 15 years' experience in property and asset management, including time at Jones Lang LaSalle and more recently at LNC Property Group.

In her most recent role, Jamieson spent four years working in Germany on behalf of LNC and was part of a Scottish team of two who turned a vacant retail opportunity into a "vibrant and successfully let" shopping and leisure destination now known as Waterfront Bremen. The centre opened in 2008 and saw the opening of the first German Primark six months later.

Doug Smith, chairman of CBRE Scotland, says: "Karen brings a wealth of experience to an area we believe has strong growth potential for our operation. Her experience gives her good insight into both sides of the consultancy relationship and a clear appreciation of where management can make a real difference and add value."

Nicholson gets on board for university challenge

ROBERT Gordon University in Aberdeen has dipped into the private sector to beef up its board of governors.

The university has appointed Peter Nicholson, head of human resources at oil and gas services giant Wood Group, to the board.

Born and educated in Aberdeen, Nicholson has served as Wood Group's head of human resources since joining the firm in 2002. Following an early career in accountancy, banking and general management in the oil and gas industry, he moved to Texas after becoming vice-president of human resources for Smith International.

Nicholson is also a director of Scottish Business in the Community and of Cornerstone Community Care.

Meanwhile, the university will receive a visit from American "serial entrepreneur" Mary Vincent, who will tell the North-east's IT Leaders' Forum about "green" information technology. She has been invited to Scotland by the Girl Geeks network for women in IT.

GOOD DAY

Alistair MacKenzie

MILLER Developments has appointed Alistair MacKenzie as director of its Alba Business Park in Livingston. MacKenzie, who has more than 28 years' experience in the commercial property sector, will be responsible for the management, marketing, lettings, future development and disposals at Alba. Existing tenants include Glenmorangie.

BAD DAY

Dieter Zetsche

DAIMLER chairman Dieter Zetsche said the company had "learned a lot from past experience" after an American judge approved the settlement of allegations that the luxury car-maker had violated federal anti-bribery laws by showering foreign government officials with money and gifts to win contracts. Daimler has agreed to pay $185 million (121m).