New Chairman and Vice-Chairman for Scottish Renewables

Rob Forrest, Chief Executive of renewable energy developer GreenPower, will take over as Chairman, while David Cameron, Head of Scottish Policy at EDF Energy, has been appointed Vice-Chairman. 

Rob replaces Patricia Hawthorn, Partner at UK law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn, who had Chaired the organisation since 2015. He was previously Scottish Renewables’ first Chief Executive, from 1999 to 2004.

Commenting on his new appointment, Rob said: “Having been involved in Scottish Renewables in some capacity since its inception in 1996 I fully understand the importance of bringing together business, government and wider civic society for the benefit of the green energy industry.

“Recent years have presented a number of significant hurdles for the sector, and there is still much to be done to ensure that renewables continue to deliver their full potential on clean energy, jobs, investment and carbon reduction across Scotland and the UK.

“Competing priorities at Westminster and the new Scottish Energy Strategy and Climate Change Plan, as well as changes to the planning system and the enormous shifts in our energy system brought about by decarbonisation, all present challenges and opportunities.

“I’m delighted to be working with a strong staff team at Scottish Renewables and would like to thank my predecessor, Patricia, for her invaluable contribution as the industry navigated its way through a particularly turbulent period.”

Rob Forrest is the owner and Chief Executive of GreenPower, one of the UK’s leading independent renewable energy developers. The company has experience in hydropower, solar and onshore wind.

He previously ran consultancy Energy Unlimited, which provided services to the wind, hydro and solar industries, and has worked on renewable energy projects across Europe, the USA and South America.

Rob has also served the industry as a member of the Scottish Government’s ministerial advisory group, known as the ‘Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland’ and was instrumental in the establishment of the Scottish Parliament Cross-Party Group on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

New Vice-Chairman David Cameron’s career began in the automotive industry, where he spent nearly 20 years with Nissan. He returned to university and graduated with an MSc in Renewable Energy from the University of Dundee before taking up the post of Director of Policy at Scottish Renewables between 2007 and 2010.

He has been Head of Scottish Policy at EDF Energy since 2010 and is currently a member of the board of SCDI and of CBI Scotland’s Council.

On his new appointment as Vice-Chairman, David said: “At a time of enormous change it’s more important than ever that Scottish Renewables represents its members with dedication and commitment.

“I look forward to working with Rob, the wider Board and staff team as the renewable energy industry’s importance to both our energy system, economy and environment continues to grow.”

Scottish Renewables’ Board has also been strengthened with the addition of six new Directors.

They are:

• Adam Morrison, Head of Electrical, EDP Renewables
• Dave Pearson, Director, Star Renewable Energy
• Euan McVicar, Head of Transaction Structuring, Green Investment Group
• Lindsay McQuade, Chief Executive, ScottishPower Renewables
• Nicola Percival, ‎Policy & Regulations Manager, ‎Innogy Renewables UK
• Professor Andy Kerr, Executive Director, Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation

Scottish Renewables Chief Executive Claire Mack said: “As a representative body it’s important that our Board reflects all renewable energy technologies.

“I’m delighted to say that the new Board does just that, which puts us in a strong position as renewable energy continues to mature and take its place at the heart of our energy system.”