Chamber gives backing to Ron Hewitt's new role

Published on Wednesday 24 November 2010 19:01

EDINBURGH Chamber of Commerce has given its qualified approval to the appointment of its chief executive, Ron Hewitt, as interim chair of Lothian Buses.

There had been concerns that taking on the second role might constitute a conflict of interest for Mr Hewitt, who has been a high-profile supporter of Edinburgh's tram project.

He will now be responsible for keeping plans for the "integration" of bus and tram services on track, despite fears profits from Lothian Buses, which is majority-owned by the city council, would subsidise the tram system initially.

An emergency meeting of the chamber was held to discuss the implications of the move on the organisation and whether or not Mr Hewitt could maintain his position with it.

However, chamber president Robert Carr said yesterday that it had accepted the decision as an interim move. "The board of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has agreed that Ron Hewitt will fulfil the interim non-executive role at Lothian Buses for a maximum period of six months, while a new chair is recruited. At the same time, he will fulfil his full-time responsibilities here."

He insisted the appointment would have "no influence on our policy position in respect of transport or any other matter".

Mr Hewitt will replace David Mackay, who resigned earlier this month.