One of Scotland's biggest social enterprises has a new man at the helm with a background in private industry

One of Scotland’s leading social enterprises, the Wise Group, has appointed its new chief executive.

Sean Duffy will succeed current chief executive Laurie Russell, who is retiring after 11 years in the post, early in the new year.

Duffy is currently commercial director of Newsquest Scotland and has a senior leadership track record with a number of high profile organisations such as FirstGroup, National Express and STV Group.

He is highly qualified and experienced in strategic leadership, business growth, stakeholder engagement and service delivery.

Stuart Patrick, chair of the Wise Group board of trustees, said: “The Wise Group’s mission is to support and deliver for the most disadvantaged people positively transforming their lives.

“We had several very strong candidates for this post, but Sean stood out due to his excellent skills, knowledge and commitment to the values and culture of the Wise Group.

“He has a strong private sector track record and has been a leading player in securing and delivering high profile, complex public sector contracts, which is an important route through which the Wise Group delivers our mission and impact.

“In addition an important element of his background and skills is his non-executive board experience in third sector organisations.”

The Wise Group is an employment organisation working in Scotland and the north east of England.

It makes a positive difference to people, communities and society by supporting people gain new skills and employment, reducing re-offending, regenerating communities and tackling fuel poverty.

Sean joins at a positive time for the Wise Group as it recently won one of the new Scottish Government Fair Start Scotland employability contracts for the West region. The new contract will start in April 2018 and is worth up to £8.6m.