Aberdeen Inspired’s board of non-executive directors provide governance and support to the executive team. Chaired by Jeanette Forbes, the board is made up of levy payers representing all sectors within the city centre; retail, hospitality, leisure, transport and professional services. Their ideas, expertise, encouragement and time, which are all given freely, ensures that our small organisation is well informed, well placed, well connected and better equipped to deliver. Representatives from key partners in the public and third sectors also attend board meetings to allow for genuine collaboration among all those with a stake in our city centre.
Aberdeen Inspired's Board Members
Dr Jeanette Forbes
Chair
Elaine Farquharson Black
Brodies LLP
Amanda McCulloch
CEO, TMM Recruitment LTD
Jason Stewart
Commercial Director, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
Derren McRae
Co-founder, The McGinty's Group
Dominique Dawson
Director, Finnies The Jeweller
Gavin Paterson
General Manager, Aberdeen Douglas Hotel
Ryan Manson
Centre Director, Union Square
Sarah Stewart
Juniper
Morven Mackenzie
Attendee
Chris Foy
Attendee
David Jackson
Attendee
Vicky Staples
Attendee
Bob Keiller
Attendee
Dr Jeanette Forbes
SECTOR: TECHNOLOGY AND HOSPITALITY
A multi award-winning entrepreneur, Jeanette is founding CEO of PCL Group, a global provider of managed IT and cyber security services. Passionate about Aberdeen, her commitment to the city centre led her into hospitality with Grape & Grain and Mediterranean.
Elaine Farquharson Black
SECTOR: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
A proud Aberdonian and accredited specialist in planning law, Elaine has a keen interest in place-making and the built environment with a shared vision for making Aberdeen city centre an attractive place in which to live, work and relax.
Amanda McCulloch
SECTOR: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
A recognised authority on financial resourcing, Amanda leads the award-winning specialist recruitment agency, TMM Recruitment and TMM Executive, an executive search and fractional leader service focused on the appointment of finance, operations and non-executive directors.
Jason Stewart
SECTOR: BUSINESS
Jason leads the membership and commercial functions of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce which exists to support the interests of its 1,350+ member organisations, and generate the best possible conditions for businesses operating in North East Scotland.
Derren McRae
SECTOR: HOSPITALITY
With a background in commercial property, Derren represents The McGinty’s Group, a leading hospitality group with a range of venues across the North-east. It will operate “Flint”, the new market development when it opens in 2027.
Dominique Dawson
SECTOR: RETAIL
Representing the third generation of the family-owned jeweller, Dominique is a qualified gemologist with an economics degree from the University of Aberdeen. Prior to joining Finnie’s, she was manager for Chanel’s fine jewellery boutique in Harrods.
Gavin Paterson
SECTOR: HOSPITALITY
With over 30 years in the hotel industry in Aberdeen with corporate brand hotels and now with an independent operator, Gavin has expertise in revenue management, sales & marketing, operations, personnel and branding.
Ryan Manson
SECTOR: RETAIL
Ryan represents Union Square, where he has overall responsibility for ensuring the delivery of a first-class retail and leisure destination that excites shoppers, continues to attract great brands and delivers positive impacts economically, socially and environmentally.
Sarah Stewart
SECTOR: RETAIL
A solicitor with over 18 years’ experience in commercial property and now working as Legal Counsel for Elsick Development Company, Sarah supports her husband in running the family business, Juniper, which was established in the city centre 53 years ago.
Morven Mackenzie
Chris Foy
VisitAberdeenshire's Chief Executive
David Jackson
Regional Director, VisitScotland
Vicky Staples
Chief Inspector, Police Scotland
Bob Keiller
Co-Founder, Our Union Street