Council Appoints to Head of Service Role

Orkney Islands Council has appointed a new Head of Service for Enterprise and Economic Growth.

Sweyn Johnston takes up the post as part of a refresh of the Council’s corporate management structure, coming as the organisation strives to improve its performance, deliver on its ambitious priorities and improve confidence in the organisation across staff, partner organisations and the public.

Sweyn will be responsible for providing leadership and direction across the Council's economic development and enterprise services including community regeneration, tourism, digital connectivity, the Islands Deal and Orkney's Community Wind Farm Project.

Brought up in Harray, Sweyn will be moving from his post as Strategic Projects Director where he has led on the Council’s involvement in a range of innovative energy projects, including Orkney’s Community Wind Farm Project.

Separate to this he has substantial experience in the private sector working as adviser to manufacturers, technology developers, energy utilities, governments and development banks.  He holds a BSc (hons) in Biology, an MSc (distinction) in Renewable Energy Development, an MBA (distinction) specialising in innovative business models for the energy sector, and is fluent in Japanese.

Commenting on his appointment, Sweyn said; "I’m delighted to take on this new role and feel a real sense of responsibility as an Orcadian to deliver opportunities for our economy to thrive.  I very much look forward to speaking to local stakeholders to explore how we can work together for the benefit of Orkney.”

Gareth Waterson is Corporate Director for Enterprise and Sustainable Regeneration. He said: "In Sweyn we have found an incredible local talent, who through his work with Orkney's Community Wind Farm Project, has demonstrated exceptional ability to drive forward key transformational projects. There are some challenging times ahead and having someone of Sweyn's calibre on board will certainly help the Council to steer that course. I congratulate him on his appointment.”