Visit Scotland | Alba

The Corporate Services Directorate is responsible for VisitScotland’s internal operations and handles the organisation's day-to-day functions.

The teams work with different departments to ensure good operational management, providing a working environment for our people with the tools and technology they need.

There are six departments which cover things like governance, facilities and resilience, procurement, information technology, finance, and legal matters.

In this article:

Director of Corporate Services - Ken Neilson

Born and raised in Kilmarnock, Ken is a chartered accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). He has extensive experience as both a finance and general management director.

After graduating from Glasgow University, Ken joined KPMG. There, he completed his chartered accountancy training.

He worked in many roles in organisations which were undergoing big changes through integration or growth. These included British Aerospace, Life Technologies and Serologicals Ltd.

Ken joined VisitScotland in 2004. In addition to his current portfolio, he has previously led the following teams:

  • HR
  • Digital and Development
  • Business Planning
  • Improvement Teams

Corporate Governance and Performance

Led by Michelle Lavery, the team is responsible for governance within VisitScotland. This includes the creation and development of our:

  • Strategic Framework
  • risk management
  • internal audit
  • financial planning processes

The team also oversees portfolio management. This is to support VisitScotland in delivering a complex series of related projects.

Facilities 

Led by Steven Speedie, this team is responsible for:

  • estates strategy and planning
  • continued maintenance and compliance work programme
  • key performance indicator management
  • project management for capital development
  • organisational health and safety support
  • strategic planning for major risks and business continuity events
  • promoting sustainability strategy and social responsibility

Finance

Led by Anne-Marie Greer, the finance team ensures the:

  • delivery of financial control and provision of accounting services
  • annual accounts and treasury management
  • maintenance of the relationship with Scottish Government in relation to Grant in Aid provided by them

Information Technology

Led by Mike Slack, the IT team provides secure, robust and effective technology services and innovation. This is to drive efficiency and improvement throughout the organisation.

This includes:

  • business system development and support
  • internal infrastructure
    • servers
    • storage and SANs, voice and data networks
    • cloud and virtual environments
    • security and virus protection
  • service desk support
  • management of all user devices

Procurement

Led by Billy Hislop, the procurement function supports internal teams to deliver the objectives of our Strategic Framework.

It does so through sustainable and efficient procurement of goods and services. The team helps enable collaborative working partnerships, whilst ensuring we meet our  statutory obligations and deliver value for money.

Related links

Industry and Events Directorate

This directorate supports destinations, sectors and businesses to help develop a strong and dynamic tourism and events industry for Scotland.

Marketing and Digital Directorate

This directorate positions Scotland as a must visit, must return, year-round destination for leisure and business visitors. It drives economic growth…

Our team

Find out about our directorates and meet our Board, Chair, and Chief Executive.