Former Scottish Enterprise CEO Lena Wilson has joined recently-listed foreign exchange firm Argentex Group as its senior independent director and chair of its nominations committee.
Wilson has also been named as chair of Scottish start-up Turtle Pack, which has created a swimming aid for young children.
Argentex is a regulated provider of foreign exchange services to institutions, corporates and high net worth private individuals.
“Lena brings extensive experience to Argentex, from an international career spanning over 60 countries, and both the public and private sectors,” said Argentex.
“She joins with an outstanding track record of supporting and driving growth in businesses of all sizes, and her hire is further evidence of Argentex’s strategic ambitions.
“She currently serves on the board of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc and a number of its subsidiaries, Intertek Group plc and Scottish Power Renewables Ltd.
“One of Scotland’s best-known business leaders, Lena was chief executive of Scottish Enterprise from 2009 until 2017, prior to which she was chief executive officer of Scottish Development International, Scotland’s international trade and investment arm.
“As such, Lena has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing UK businesses as they look to expand their client-base internationally.
“Lena was previously senior investment advisor to The World Bank in Washington DC, advising developing countries on foreign direct investment and private sector development …”
Harry Adams and Carl Jani, co-CEOs of Argentex Group plc, said: “We have long admired Lena’s impressive career and are delighted to announce that she is joining our board of directors.
“Her international experience and outlook will be extremely valuable as we embark on our next stage of growth as a listed company.
“Our ability to attract market leading talent to Argentex is core to our growth strategy, and Lena’s appointment is testament to this approach.
“We look forward to working with Lena and our highly experienced board to deliver long-term value to shareholders and clients.”
Wilson said: “I am excited to join Argentex’s board as it sets out on its path as a newly listed company.
“I was immediately impressed by the management team and its entrepreneurial approach and I look forward to working with the board to help Argentex build on its excellent track record, successful IPO and exciting growth strategy.”
On her Turtle Pack appointment, Wilson said: “Ryan Carenduff, chief executive, Michael Harkins, founder, and the team at Turtle Pack have made great progress turning an initial idea into a patented product which has great potential and is loved by parents and children alike.
“Turtle Pack is working to help children around the world learn this key life skill in a way that’s fun and efficient.
“I am excited to be working with a start-up business with global potential where I can make a real and tangible difference.”