Vic Emery, managing director of BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions has been appointed as the new chairman of Scottish Enterprise (SE) Glasgow.

He replaces Willie Haughey, chief executive of City Refrigeration Ltd.

Mr Emery who joined the SE Glasgow board in 2004, will be responsible for overseeing a £60 million budget and the delivery of a range of priority projects at the country’s largest local enterprise company.

The challenge of leading the organisation responsible for driving the economy of the city forward is substantial, but one I am relishing,” said Mr Emery.

"Our long term priorities have been made very clear and I’m committed to continuing on this course. First and foremost we need to concentrate on finishing the job to regenerate Glasgow’s physical landscape, building an environment capable of attracting and retaining greater business investment.

"From there on we can start to address some of the deep rooted issues facing the city’s economy; building a larger, stronger business base, improving productivity and getting more of the city’s people back into employment.

"Although these are big tasks, at the same time we need to stay flexible enough to grasp the opportunities that can really put Glasgow on the map as a modern 21st century European city.”

Among the major projects underway or in the pipeline include the £1.6bn Clyde Gateway, east end regeneration project, expansion of the city centre into the south side, an extension to the SECC and development of Govan's Pacific Quay media quarter; along with a drive to improve skills within the city’s existing workers and those looking to get back to work.

Mr Emery heads up a 4000 strong workforce at Scotstoun and Govan on the Clyde who are currently completing the latest batch of £600 million Type 45 air defence destroyers for the Royal Navy. The yards recently won a major share in the construction of the next generation of aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, ensuring work for at least the next decade.

Outgoing chairman Willie Haughey paid tribute to his successor."Vic has an excellent understanding of the issues facing Glasgow and a business track record of getting results. I look forward to working with him in the future," he said.