Edinburgh First appoints new head of business development team

The commercial arm of the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh First, has announced that it has appointed former Marketing Edinburgh business tourism chief Amanda Ferguson (pictured) as its new head of business development. Bringing more than 15 years of experience, the appointment of Ferguson to the business development team at Edinburgh First aims to re-establish the success of the University’s hotel and venue portfolio. Ferguson said: “I’m really passionate about doing what is right for the University and the City. “The economic fallout from the pandemic has brought the whole hospitality and business tourism sector to a standstill. Our goal and ambitions are to use Edinburgh First’s products and services to boost the local economy and mobilise the City again. I’m excited to work with the new business development team and to reignite Edinburgh’s hospitality sector.” Lyndsay Wilkie, director of business development at Edinburgh First, said: “Ferguson is an outstanding appointment. Creating a new business development team comes at an exciting time at Edinburgh First and we are looking forward to her bringing her range of skills and experience to progress the business. We are delighted that she has chosen to further her career with us, adding her valuable knowledge and expertise to the team.” Edinburgh First provides a range of hotel, event, accommodation and catering services across the University of Edinburgh estate.