Joins from Glasgow City Council, where he was project manager of Sustainable Glasgow

The Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) has appointed Geoff Duke as director of the Scottish Cities Alliance.

Duke, a chartered civil engineer, has almost 30 years' experience in planning and economic development in both the public and private sectors.

He joins Scottish Cities Alliance from Glasgow City Council, where he was project manager of Sustainable Glasgow.

His new role will see him co-ordinate delivery of shared commercial projects and investment propositions for large-scale investment to promote growth and protect and create jobs across Scotland’s seven cities.

Funded jointly by the cities and by the Scottish Government, Duke will be based within SCDI’s policy team.

Commenting on the appointment, deputy First Minister and Minister for Cities, Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Scottish Cities Alliance will create new economic partnerships, get more investment, jobs and businesses in our cities and help Scotland's cities compete more successfully on the international stage.

“I welcome Geoff’s appointment which will help the Alliance deliver that ambitious programme.”

SCDI is an economic development organisation representing 1,200 Scottish companies, SMEs, public sector bodies, charities, trade unions and faith groups.