Michael Moore

The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) has appointed Michael Moore (pictured), former Liberal Democrat MP and Scottish secretary of state, as its new director general.

Moore succeeds Tim Hames and will take up the position later this year.

Currently a senior advisor at PwC, specialising in government and public policy, Moore is a chartered accountant who previously worked in corporate finance.

Moore was elected as MP for the Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale constituency in the Scottish Borders in 1997 and joined the party’s front bench in 2005. He was Secretary of State for Scotland in the coalition government between 2010 and 2013 and later served as European business adviser to the deputy prime minister until leaving Parliament at the 2015 general election.

Calum Paterson, chairman of BVCA, said: “We have been fortunate to have had an outstanding director general in Tim Hames over the last six years. He has been a great ambassador for private equity and venture capital and has fulfilled his role with great distinction. Identifying a worthy successor was never going to be an easy task, but we are delighted to have appointed Michael Moore.

“Michael brings exceptional credentials and experience in both business and politics. He has an intimate knowledge of Westminster and government, is a first-class communicator and has also had direct experience of working with the private equity and venture capital sector in his role at PwC. I am confident that he will be an excellent leader of the BVCA at this important time for our industry and for UK business more generally.”

Moore said: “I am very much looking forward to joining the BVCA and to supporting the private equity and venture capital industry in the invaluable work it does across the UK. The broader economic impact of the industry is extremely important in terms of employment, innovation and economic growth. I look forward to playing my part in ensuring that the crucial role it plays is fully understood and valued.”