Names in frame at ScottishPower

SCOTTISHPOWER is likely to recruit a chief executive with political clout over operational experience after the sudden departure of Nick Horler last week, according to sources.

Insiders believe the frontrunners for replacing the outgoing boss include Samantha Barber, a non-executive director of Iberdrola, and Susan Deacon, an ex-Labour minister in the Scottish Government.

Barber surprised many when she became the first non-Spanish appointee to Bilbao-based parent company Iberdrola's main board in 2008. At the time, she was chief executive of corporate social responsibility charity, Scottish Business in the Community. Barber has close ties to the SNP.

Deacon, who stood down from her role as Labour MSP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh in the Scottish Parliament in 2007, was appointed as chairman of ScottishPower Renewables in July.

The appointment of either woman would underscore Iberdrola's need for political leadership in its drive to grow its renewables business in Scotland and the UK.

A spokesman for ScottishPower declined to comment on the recruitment process, but said candidates would require "experience and knowledge of the UK energy sector".