South of Scotland Enterprise has appointed Doctor Martin Valenti as its first ever Energy Transition and Green Enterprise Director.
The newly created role will see Dr Valenti join the SOSE team on 5 July and will lead the economic and community development agency’s efforts to help the region to transition to a NetZero economy. This includes taking forward the work of the South of Scotland Energy Transition Group’s Powering Change call to action.
The appointment is a significant one for the South of Scotland, with Dr Valenti an award-winning sustainability practitioner and serial disruptor, with extensive experience of strategic business engagement and innovation.
For over 30 years he has worked in a variety of senior management roles shaping and delivering inclusive growth initiatives and directing major collaborative projects.
He has successfully delivered high profile projects for the Scottish Government on climate change and sustainability.
Dr Valenti worked for SEPA for 17 years where he held a number of senior positions. He played an instrumental role in setting up Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group and co-created the award winning 2050 Young Leaders Climate Group. In 2018 he created the Vacant and Derelict Land taskforce to transform how Scotland deals with its post-industrial legacy to make more use of land for commerce and communities.
His most recent role was a secondment at Scottish Enterprise as Head of Climate Enterprise and strategic lead for COP 26.
Dr Valenti said:
“I am delighted to be joining South of Scotland Enterprise in this new role.
“One of my key aims is to help build a strong alliance to tackle the climate crisis and to maximise the economic opportunities from the transition to NetZero.
“I am looking forward to leading this collaborative effort to ensure the region benefits from COP 26, when the eyes of the world will be on Scotland.”
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE, added:
“Our appointment of Martin as our new Energy Transition and Green Enterprise Director comes at a critically important time for SOSE and the South of Scotland.
“We all know we must address the climate emergency, in a way that supports Scotland’s aspirations of becoming the world’s first NetZero economy.
“With COP 26 due to be held on our doorstep in Glasgow in November, it is critical we grasp this important opportunity to showcase the ambition and opportunities of the region to the global audience and to attract inward investment.
“Martin’s experience and talent means we have a fantastic asset to help lead us on this NetZero journey.”
