The President of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce has announced his intention to step down after just over a year in post.
Businessman Jim Pickett will vacate his role at the head of the organisation by the end of the year, with vice-presidents Alison Henderson and David Valentine taking up the cudgel until a permanent appointment is made.
Mr Pickett, who runs a portfolio of Dundee-based firms including Liftruks and Gourdie Commercial Properties, tendered his resignation at the organisation’s recent board meeting.
He first become involved with DACC at directorial level in 2008 and, as the organisation’s longest-serving board member, has become a well-known face in the business community.
He succeeded Chris Lundie as president of DACC in August last year, and the role saw him become a strong champion of the interests of local companies at regional and national level.
Mr Pickett said it felt like the right time for him to go as the Chamber looked to implement a long-term business plan under new chief executive Sandra Burke.
“As 2014 approaches and Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce starts work on its business strategy for the next three years, I feel the time is right for me to pass the baton on to others to take the Chamber through the next phase of development,” Mr Pickett said.
“I have therefore decided to retire as president at the end of this year.
“Our two new vice-presidents, Alison Henderson of My Pinkie Promise based in Dundee and David Valentine of Valentine International Business Connections, based in Angus, will steer the Chamber until the board of directors nominate a new president. I wish them and all Chamber members all the best for the future.”
DACC was founded in 2007 after the collapse of the former Dundee Chamber of Commerce, and the fledgling organisation had just 30 members at that time.
It has since expanded significantly and now has around 450 member companies which collectively employ more than 35,000 local workers.
Ms Henderson paid tribute to Mr Pickett’s contribution to DACC.
“The board of directors thank Jim for the strong contribution he has made at strategic level, and we look forward to building on the foundations that he helped establish,” she said.
“The board will be co-opting three new directors from our membership early next year to strengthen capacity and help develop ambitious plans for the future.
“The regeneration of the waterfront offers an explosion of opportunities for the region over the next few years and, with our new chief executive Sandra Burke at the helm, Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to ensure a stronger voice and influence for business in the local economy.”