Scottish Enterprise confirmed that its chief executive Lena Wilson is to step down after nearly eight years in the job.
Wilson told the organisation’s employees of her decision on Friday morning.
Wilson said: “It has been a real honour and privilege to work with so many talented people who want to make a positive difference for Scotland, but it is now time for me to embark on a fresh set of challenges.”
SE Chairman Bob Keiller said: “Lena has done an outstanding job as CEO, driving a much more international mindset across the whole organisation and overseeing record levels of innovation and growth among the companies SE works with as a result.
“I would like to thank her for her leadership and her service over many years.”
He added: “A plan to appoint a successor is being developed and details of this will be released in due course.”