AiB welcomes new Chief Executive

Rosemary Winter-Scott takes over as The Accountant in Bankruptcy and Agency Chief Executive of AiB today, 1 October 2009.

As the government body responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of insolvency policy in Scotland, Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) plays an important role in the Scottish Government's response to growing concern over the level of personal and corporate debt and what can be done to tackle it.

The appointment of Mrs Winter-Scott comes at a key point in the agency's history as it responds to demands for responsible and effective debt relief measures; with work ongoing including the Debt and Family Homes Bill, the Debtor Protection Bill, and consultation on the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) among a raft of measures under consideration to bring greater access to debt relief for those in need.

Acknowledging the work ahead for Mrs Winter-Scott and her agency, Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing said:

"This is an important role, particularly during these difficult economic times."

"There are families and businesses in Scotland facing the very real prospect of bankruptcy for the first time, and we want to do everything we possibly can to help them."

"As a Government, we are responding decisively to support them, taking wide-ranging action through ongoing investment in our economic recovery plan, helping businesses, whilst targeting action to aid hard-pressed households."

"We will continue to work with our partners such as AiB to help achieve our priorities, giving help and support to those facing difficult challenges brought about by the global recession. "

"The skills and experience Mrs Winter-Scott brings with her will be a great asset."

Mrs Winter-Scott, former Deputy Director for Employability and Skills Division, Life Long Learning Directorate (LLD), succeeds Gillian Thompson following the announcement of her intention to retire earlier this year.

Mrs Winter-Scott said:

"I join the agency at an important time given the current economic situation. With plans underway to bring greater protection to both businesses and individuals facing the prospect of bankruptcy, the expertise and commitment of my staff have come to the fore.

"It goes without saying that there are challenges ahead but ones that I am keen to tackle head on."

"The last month learning about the work of AiB has been invaluable. I have been exceptionally impressed by all the hard work that has gone before and the huge achievements of Gillian Thompson and the staff of AiB."

"Together, with the important contribution of insolvency practitioners and money advisors, I am confident we can provide the best service possible to the people of Scotland."