Sainsbury takes the green energy chair

WINDS of change are blowing through Scottish Renewables after the trade body has appointed Jeremy Sainsbury as its interim chairman.

Sainsbury, a founding director of the Natural Power Consultancy, takes over from former chairman Andrew Jamieson, who has been elevated to become chairman of RenewableUK.

The board of Scottish Renewables will appoint a permanent chairman in the spring. "I'm delighted to be moving into the role of chair, just as we have broken through the 300-member mark," said Sainsbury.

"I have seen the organisation and industry grow side by side over the past 15 years and it's been a story of great success in moving renewables from the economic backwaters into the mainstream of energy policy."

Meanwhile, Steve Treloar has joined Aviva's UK general insurance business as its retail director. Treloar, who leaves Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance, will be responsible for the direct arms of Aviva and RAC. He will report to UK general insurance chief executive David McMillan.

Matthew Turner will be toasting his success after landing the job as brand controller for Highland Park, one of the Edrington Group's biggest-selling single malts.

Turner – who joined Edrington in 2002 after marketing brands including Imperial Tobacco, the BBC and Bass – was marketing controller with the Macallan.

Ken Grier, Edrington's director of malts, says: "I wish Matthew every success in his new position. Highland Park has had impressive growth since we set out on an ambitious 18 million master plan for the spirit in 2005."

From one venerable name to another: Fife-based timber specialist James Donaldson & Sons, is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

But instead of splashing out on a big party, chairman Neil Donaldson has set up a charity and donated 150,000 to help disadvantaged children gain team skills and confidence.

The firm will mark its birthday with a visit to its Leven sawmill by a "VVIP". We wonder who it could be.