UHI North, West and Hebrides appoints Interim Finance Director to support the next phase of strategic development
UHI North, West and Hebrides has appointed Stephen Thomson as Interim Finance Director as the college enters the next phase of its strategic development, following the successful integration of its three predecessor colleges and with a continued focus on sustainable growth, investment and innovation across the North, West Highlands and Hebrides.
Stephen will join the college on 27 July 2026 for an initial six-month period and will work with the Board and Executive Leadership Team, heading up the college’s Finance Team while recruitment takes place for a permanent Chief Financial Officer, supporting delivery of the college's strategic priorities and long-term financial sustainability.
The appointment follows the departure of Derek Bond, who leaves the college to take up the role of Chief Financial Officer at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Since joining the college following merger, Derek has made a significant contribution to establishing the financial foundations that now support the college's long-term financial sustainability and future ambitions. His leadership strengthened financial governance, supported the creation of a single integrated organisation and helped position the college for its next phase of development. The college thanks Derek for his commitment and wishes him every success in his new role, where he will continue to work closely with UHI North, West and Hebrides.
Stephen Thomson joins the college as an experienced Chartered Management Accountant and senior finance leader with extensive expertise in strategic financial leadership, governance, organisational transformation, business planning, financial sustainability and the development of high-performing finance teams, including within the higher education sector.
Principal and Chief Executive Lydia Rohmer said:
"I would like to thank Derek sincerely for the significant contribution he has made to UHI North, West and Hebrides over recent years. During a period of considerable organisational change following merger, he helped establish the strong financial foundations that now support the college's long-term financial sustainability and future ambitions. On behalf of the Board, Executive Leadership Team and colleagues across the college, I wish him every success in his new role.
“As we enter the next chapter in the college's development, our focus is on sustainable growth, innovation and delivering lasting impact for the communities we serve. Strong financial leadership is fundamental to maintaining our long-term financial sustainability and resilience while enabling the investment needed to realise our ambitions for the future.
“Working with UHI, industry and our wider partners, we are investing in education, skills, research and innovation that will help shape the future of our region. From strengthening STEM education and supporting engineering, energy and the blue and green economies, to promoting Gaelic language and culture as a defining strength of our region and an integral part of its social, cultural and economic future. Alongside major strategic developments in Fort William, Nigg, Thurso and Stornoway, Stephen's appointment will provide the experienced financial leadership needed to help turn that ambition into reality.
“Our mission is to transform lives through learning, skills, research and enterprise. As an anchor institution and a key partner of UHI, our ambition is to be Scotland's leading tertiary institution for remote, rural and island communities - creating opportunities for people and employers while helping shape a more prosperous, innovative and sustainable future for our region."