The Board of the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) has appointed Peter Reekie as the company’s new chief executive.

He takes up the position on 10 January 2018 from Barry White who is leaving to take up the role of chief executive for Transport for the North, based in Manchester.

Peter Reekie, currently deputy chief executive and director of investments at SFT, was involved with the initial development of SFT and has been with the company since 2009 when it became operational.

Ian Russell, SFT chairman, said of Peter’s appointment: “We are delighted to have secured someone of Peter’s calibre to take SFT forward. The vacancy attracted a large amount of interest, but it was clear to the independent interview panel that Peter’s professionalism, his strong credentials and track record made him the stand-out candidate for this demanding role.”

Peter Reekie said: “I am excited and honoured to be named SFT’s new chief executive. It is a fantastic organisation and I’d like to thank Barry White for all of his work to build SFT to the success it is today. I am ambitious for the great team at SFT and am very much looking forward to leading the organisation and driving forward its plans for the future.”

Cabinet secretary for finance and the constitution, Derek Mackay MSP, said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Futures Trust has secured Peter Reekie, currently SFT’s deputy chief executive and director of investments, as its new chief executive, and am sure he will build on the excellent foundation laid by its first chief executive Barry White, who leaves with our best wishes for new challenges in Transport for the North.

“I look forward to working with Peter in his new role within SFT which will continue to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure investment working collaboratively with public bodies and industry.”