Arts & Business Scotland (A&BS) has appointed a new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Sarah Deas takes on the role to replace Jane Ryder OBE who has chaired the Board since 2011 when A&BS became an independent Scottish charity.

Sarah Deas

As Scottish Enterprise’s Director of Enterprise Projects, Deas is also Chief Executive of Co-operative Development Scotland. Commenting on her new role, she said: “Vibrancy in the arts and a strong business sector are both critical to Scotland and should be mutually supportive. I am delighted to take on this role and the opportunity to continue the work of Arts & Business Scotland in strengthening inter-sector relationships.”

Deas joined the board of A&BS in October 2014 bringing a wealth of knowledge in strategy, marketing and business development. As a senior director of Scottish Enterprise she also champions support to social enterprises and youth entrepreneurship. She has held senior management and board positions with Rexam plc, LinPac Plastics International, FortSterling, RBM Europa and Airport Advertising (Europe). She is a Trustee of the Bank of Scotland Foundation, a member of the Institute of Directors and an Executive Coach.

Deas will succeed Ryder who was recently appointed as the first Chair of Historic Environment Scotland, the new lead body for the historic environment which succeeds Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on Ancient Monuments from October.

Jane Ryder OBE added: “It’s been a privilege to Chair Arts & Business Scotland through its transition to an independent Scottish charity and I have thoroughly enjoyed taking such an active role in the development of the organisation. I am pleased to be handing over to a very capable successor in Sarah Deas, who will lead the organisation from strength to strength.”