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Article published 31/03/2026

At the start of September, we announced that Ken Neilson, Director of Corporate Services, was retiring this year after 22 years’ service to Scottish tourism. 

Jamie Manson, who was previously Chief Financial Officer at Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), has been appointed as Ken's successor. He joins our team on 1 April to begin his handover and will be based in the Shetland office. 

Jamie is a highly experienced individual who has held senior roles at Shetland Islands Council, and served as Director of Resources for the Ascension Island Government. In 2023, Jamie was awarded a Fellowship with the Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CIPFA).  

I am delighted to be joining VisitScotland, the organisation plays such an important role in supporting Scotland’s visitor economy. It’s a real privilege to take on this role, and I look forward to working with the corporate services team to build on exemplary work and leadership that Ken Neilson has successfully contributed to for the last 22 years.

Jamie Manson, incoming Director of Corporate Services

Jamie’s experience and background in public sector finance, governance and organisational improvement will be hugely valuable as we continue to evolve how we operate and grow Scotland’s visitor economy. I’m very much looking forward to welcoming him into the leadership team.

Vicki Miller, Chief Executive, VisitScotland

About the role

The Director of Corporate Services forms an integral part of our senior leadership team, responsible for VisitScotland’s internal operations, providing guidance and expertise to the rest of the organisation to ensure its smooth running.  

This directorate is made up of departments which cover finance, corporate governance and performance, procurement and legal services.

This role will support our core purpose to drive the visitor economy and grow its value to Scotland. 

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