The Scottish Council for Development & Industry (SCDI) said its chief executive Ross Martin is to stand down from the organisation after three years “to seek fresh challenges.”

The economic development network saif that in his time at SCDI, Martin “led the development of a well-received policy platform and has re-positioned the organisation at the centre of important debates surrounding Scotland’s economy and its future.”

Brendan Dick, Chair of SCDI, said: “Ross will leave SCDI with the good wishes of the board and members alike. He has strengthened our policy proposition, represented our members well and was a key driving force in bringing Scotland’s city regions together to drive economic growth and think more imaginatively about the future.

“He has done so at a time of great turbulence and I thank him for his skilful, and always energetic, navigation of often difficult territories.”

Martin said: “I have greatly enjoyed my time at SCDI, which remains an important institution and one which can act as a bridge between the Scottish and UK governments during these challenging political times.

“We’ve achieved a huge amount in the past three years at SCDI identifying and articulating the key challenges for Scotland’s Economy: improving productivity, increasing innovation and driving internationalisation.

“I look forward to taking on these challenges in my next role. I wish to thank the team — and especially the members — at SCDI for its support and I wish the organisation well.”