Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) chair John McGuigan has announced his intention to stand down, with his successor to be confirmed at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) next month.

McGuigan took on the role in November 2022, having joined the board of SFE, which is the representative body for Scotland’s financial services industry, in 2016.

Prior to this, McGuigan spent nine years with Standard Life and Phoenix Group as group customer director, as well as time in Munich as managing director of sales and service for Telefonica.

He was appointed chair of mutual insurer Scottish Friendly earlier this year, and chair of Scottish Rugby in 2023.

The board has completed a selection process to appoint a new chair and will propose to an upcoming EGM that Sue Dawe be appointed.

Dawe is EY Scotland managing partner for financial services, as well as SFE deputy chair, having joined the board in 2019.

Sandy Begbie CBE, chief executive of SFE, said: “On behalf of SFE and our members I’d like to thank John for his leadership and direction, both during his tenure as chair and since joining the SFE board.

“He has brought a wealth of experience and insight to the SFE board and while I am sad to see him go, John’s leadership has helped build the strong, diverse and committed board that will continue to drive our organisation as we deliver on our strategy.

“John has presided over continued growth for our organisation both in terms of our membership and our profile in championing the interests of Scotland’s financial and professional services sector.

“He has been very supportive to me, and leaves SFE with our very best wishes.”

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One of the last times DIGIT reported on SFE, leadership, and recruitment was in September of last year.

SFE appointed Cheri Burns to a senior role within its Young Professionals network to bolster communications, with the aim of engaging and supporting the next generation of industry leaders.