SCOTLAND'S first chief entrepreneurial officer has resigned, saying that attacks from right-wing politicians and the media became "draining".
Former Skyscanner chief operating officer Mark Logan was appointed to the Scottish Government role in 2022 in order to champion entrepreneurship.
As chief entrepreneur, Logan advised the Scottish Government to aid its national strategy for economic transformation, built the Pathways initiative to improve gender balance in start-ups, and encouraged computer teaching in schools.
He previously defended his salary of £2000 a day after Tory MSP Graham Simpson described it as “colossal”. When he was appointed, his initial salary was £192,000, for eight days per month for two years.
Announcing his resignation, Logan said he is "increasingly becoming a target for some in the right-wing of Scottish politics and their supporting publications" which has become "draining".
He will transfer projects and leave the role by mid-November.
In a statement, he said: “I’ve had the precious opportunity to work with very many wonderful people, in government, in parliament, in our agencies, in our schools and universities, our ecosystem builders, and, of course, in our start-ups and social enterprises.
“I’ve decided that four and a half years is long enough for me in this role, and that it is time for a change. And although I am not in a political role, I am increasingly becoming a target for some in the right-wing of Scottish politics and their supporting publications, which, just as intended, has become draining.
“So I’m stepping down from my role as chief entrepreneurial advisor. There are no 'musical differences' or tensions with stakeholders behind that decision.”
He added: “I also believe that it is better to stop doing something while you are still enjoying it, and when it still hurts to leave it behind, as that way you take with you only good memories.
“So that is what I am going to do. I’m grateful to both First Minister John Swinney and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes for their support and help throughout my appointment period, and for their understanding concerning my decision now.
“During the next few weeks, I’ll fulfil some remaining speaking commitments and transfer ongoing projects into safe and very capable hands, completing these steps by mid-November."
Logan intends to take a short break while continuing teaching at the University of Glasgow and "helping to develop Scotland’s economic potential, just in a less formal capacity".
