Business organisation Aberdeen Inspired has appointed a new chief executive as it embarks on another five-year term.
Adrian Watson has been selected for the role and will join up with the organisation later this month. He will succeed Gary Craig who steps down after nearly two years in the position.
A member of Grampian Police and Police Scotland for 30 years, Mr Watson held various roles within the force before becoming Chief Superintendent and Divisional Commander for the Aberdeen City Division.
In his new role with Aberdeen Inspired, he will be responsible for the organisation’s investment of a minimum of £6.5million in the heart of the city after levy payers voted to return the business-led initiative for a further five years.
He will also continue to play a part in the organisation’s bid to maintain the city’s Purple Flag status, a campaign he was heavily involved with throughout his time with Police Scotland. Aberdeen became the first city in Scotland to be awarded the accreditation in 2014 and has now been re-accredited for the third time after it was praised for its strong partnership working alongside its vibrant mix of late night entertainment.
Adrian Watson said: “I’m delighted to be joining Aberdeen Inspired at what is an exciting time in the organisation’s development and I’m looking forward to playing an integral part in further successes for it in the coming months.
“The key theme throughout Aberdeen Inspired’s activity is that its work brings a number of benefits to its hundreds of levy payers within the city centre. We’ve seen with last year’s Aberdeen Christmas Village, the Roof Garden enhancement project and the Purple Flag accreditation campaign the benefit that the organisation can bring to the city as a whole and I’m keen to continue to build on the fantastic foundations already in place.
“Effective partnership working and communication will be key in all future successes and relationships with other like-minded organisations within the city will be a main focus of mine. There’s a real sense that Aberdeen is slowly beginning to realise its potential and it is important that Aberdeen Inspired plays an integral part in its development over the next five years.”
Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute. Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district and drive footfall to the zone.
Allan Henderson, chairman of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Adrian’s experience and vast leadership skills encompass the type of person that is perfect to head-up the organisation and I’m thrilled to welcome him to the role. I look forward to working closely with him in the coming months in delivering projects that drive continuous improvement to the heart of the city.
“I’d also like to thank Gary Craig for his achievements to date and wish him well in his future pursuits. Gary passes the baton to Adrian at the start of a fresh five-year term for the organisation. The Aberdeen Inspired team is passionate about the task ahead and is thoroughly committed to making a real difference to our levy payers and those who work, visit and live within the city centre.”
Further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired is available at www.aberdeeninspired.com.