A leading North-east HR company has appointed a new managing director as it targets further growth in the UK market.

Leigh Stott has taken over the reins from Dean Hunter, the company’s owner and founder. Miss Stott joined the firm in 2011 from Wood Group PSN, where she was HR manager for international operations.

“I’m delighted to have now been appointed managing director of Hunter Adams and look forward to building on the company’s success,” she said.

As the owner of the business, Mr Hunter will continue to play a key role, focussing on the company’s strategy for UK growth.

He said: “I’m thrilled to appoint Leigh as managing director of Hunter Adams. It is a great feeling when your team are ready to take over the reins, and we pride ourselves on having no glass ceilings.

“Leigh has built an incredible team and solid relationships with our customers, and together we will take the business to its next stage of development and growth.”

The Aberdeen-based consultancy, which was ranked the top Scottish employer in the prestigious Times Top 100 list, has seen phenomenal expansion since its launch in 2011.

In 2014, the firm doubled its EBITDA from the previous year and demonstrated top results from engaging its workforce.

Miss Stott aims to strengthen Hunter Adams’ existing business streams, including Hunter Edge – its leadership development and training programme – and Hunter 100, to offer clients from across 20 sectors all HR services ‘under one roof’.

She said:  “I will work to support the wider Hunter Adams strategy, deliver our key objectives, and be involved in workforce engagement and consulting at a senior level.

“The London market and Hunter Edge are key focus areas for us. The aim for this year is consolidating the existing business streams so everything is under the one roof.

“It is a challenging market for the North-east just now, but we can offer companies support through a difficult period and we are optimistic about the future.”

“I believe Hunter Adams’ success is down to having such a strong and close-knit team.  Creating the right culture in the team and making sure people are engaged is something we are hugely proud of,” she added.

Hunter Adams also has bases in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London and was voted ‘Best New Company’ at the Scottish Business Awards last year.