Forth Green Freeport appoints Dame Susan Rice as chair

Dame Susan Rice DBE takes up the position in November to oversee the delivery and governance of the consortium’s ambitious vision to deliver a green growth strategy for Scotland’s industrial corridor.

She takes over the helm from its interim Chair, the Group Chief Executive of Forth Ports, Charles Hammond OBE.

“The Forth Green Freeport has a broad and exciting vision for Scotland and I’m pleased to be leading the team in its execution," said Dame Susan.

"The creation of major port infrastructure, the development of new green industries and re-industrialisation of our communities is hugely compelling to me.

“I’m honoured to have been appointed as the Chair and I welcome the opportunity to steer this impressive consortium as we create and implement the Forth Green Freeport.

"As an experienced adviser in delivering long-term economic development projects, I will support the Forth Green Freeport to deliver the community regeneration and many new jobs across Fife, Falkirk, Leith and Central Scotland. I’m delighted to be part of this.”

Charles Hammond OBE said they were "extremely privileged" to have someone with Dame Susan’s extensive experience and enthusiasm.

"The decision to appoint Dame Susan was unanimously agreed by all of the consortium partners, both public and private sector, and we warmly welcome her to the Board," he said.

“Dame Susan’s career background is aligned perfectly as the consortium works together to create the driving force to deliver long term benefits for communities through well paid skilled green job creation and to assist in achieving the country’s net zero goals.”

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Chartered banker Dame Susan has had a distinguished career in finance as the former Chair and CEO of Lloyds TSB Scotland, where she was the first female in Europe to lead a clearing bank, and Managing Director of Lloyds Banking Group Scotland.

She was also the founding Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission and is the former President of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (now named Prosper).

Dame Susan has extensive experience in corporate governance as a member of boards across a wide range of public and private sector organisations around the UK and internationally.

She is currently the Chair of Scottish Water where she has governed the Board since 2015 and will step down at the end of this year on completion of her term.

Her other recent Board experience includes the Bank of England, Scottish and Southern Energy and J Sainsbury plc.

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Dame Susan currently sits on the Board of the Office for Budget Responsibility and chairs the North American Income Trust and the Global Ethical Finance Initiative, which is currently delivering the largest finance-focused campaign for COP28.

She has received honorary degrees from a number of Scottish universities, including Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and she was awarded a DBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List.