Sue Dawe has been appointed as chair of Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE), the member body for financial and related professional services in Scotland, with immediate effect.

Dawe brings over 35 years’ experience to the role and currently leads EY’s Financial Services Practice in Scotland.

She is a member of EY’s UKFS leadership team, a former EY UK LLP board member, and a patron for Women in Banking and Finance (WiBF).

Dawe has been director of SFE’s board since 2019, and deputy chair since 2022. She becomes the first female chair in the organisation’s 38-year history.

She was appointed at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in Edinburgh today, replacing John McGuigan who stood down as chair in June.

Commenting on the appointment, Sue Dawe, EY Scotland managing partner for financial services, and chair of Scottish Financial Enterprise, said: “It’s a privilege to be appointed as the chair of SFE and to represent Scotland’s diverse and innovative financial services industry.

“Building on the strong foundations left by John, I am confident we can continue enhancing our reputation as one of the leading voices for business in Scotland.

“I look forward to working with our experienced board, Sandy and the talented SFE team, and our diverse membership to ensure we continue delivering our ambitious strategy and supporting further growth and development across the industry.”

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Sandy Begbie CBE, chief executive, Scottish Financial Enterprise, also said: “Sue has made a valuable contribution to SFE since joining the board in 2019 and I am delighted with her appointment as our new chair.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role which will be key to our future success.

“SFE has grown and developed significantly in recent years, and I am excited to see further progress under Sue’s leadership.”