Mr Forbes joins the council from North Ayrshire Council, where he has worked since 2016 and is currently senior manager (strategic business manager).

With more than 40 years of experience working in Scottish local authorities, Mr Forbes has also worked in finance roles in Renfrewshire and East Ayrshire Councils. He also brings to the role a broad understanding of council operations with experience in managing operational services within water, sewerage, roads and social work earlier in his career.

Mr Forbes said: “I am delighted to be joining Inverclyde Council as its chief financial officer.

“My career has always been in local authorities where I am proud to make a difference to the communities we serve.

“Finance is always busy but I’m joining as we start to finalise the budget for 2026/27 which I know the finance team and Members Budget Working Group have been working hard on.

“I am looking forward to getting to know Inverclyde, its people and its priorities.”