Community Enterprise in Scotland names new boss amid 'changing times'

Community Enterprise in Scotland has appointed a new boss amid “changing times” for the organisation.

The provider of business support to social enterprises in Scotland said Martin Avila was taking up the role of group chief executive, replacing outgoing boss Ian Mitchell

Avila joins the organisation from his current position as director at the Kinning Park Complex and is due to take up his new position in early August.

CEIS said he would bring “a new vision to the role along with regeneration experience, energy and enthusiasm and a passion for the sector”.

Martin Avila joins the organisation from his current position as director at the Kinning Park Complex and is due to take up his new position in early August.

Group chair Maureen Porch said: “These are changing times for CEIS as Ian leaves us after a long and successful relationship with the group, as a director for nine years and for the last two as group CEO.

“As CEO Ian has steered us through the most challenging of times and leaves the group having built a solid foundation to strengthen its role as a key player in the social and economic recovery from the Covid pandemic. Further, his leadership has enhanced a culture of wellbeing, while supporting staff to transition to new ways of working and embracing new challenges.

“Ian is now returning to the Scottish Government to take up a new and important challenge. We wish him well in the future and thank him for his years of commitment and service to CEIS and to the wider social enterprise sector.”

She added: “The board look forward to welcoming Martin to the group and to working with him to deliver impact across the many challenges facing people, businesses and communities across Scotland and to shape the future of the group.”

Avila said: “Community enterprises have a key role to play in helping create a fairer, greener and healthier Scotland. I look forward to leading the fantastic team at CEIS to ensure we do all we can to help strengthen our communities and build a more inclusive economy that works for all of us.”

CEIS, which was established in 1984, added: Current board member of SURF, Scotland’s Regeneration Forum and treasurer of Community Land Scotland, Martin brings to CEIS a strong understanding of community enterprise and community-led development and regeneration.”

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