The Harris Tweed Authority has appointed Fiona MacKenzie as its new Chief Executive Officer, with her tenure due to begin in March 2026. She will succeed Calum Iain MacIver, who has been serving as Interim Chief Executive following the departure of long-standing CEO Lorna Macaulay in late 2024.
MacKenzie joins the organisation from MG ALBA, where she is currently a Commissioning Editor overseeing sport, factual entertainment and comedy programming from commissioning through to broadcast. The Authority highlighted the breadth of her media and content experience as a strong asset for promoting the globally recognised Harris Tweed brand.
Harris Tweed Authority chairman Norman L. MacDonald said he was confident in the appointment and praised MacKenzie’s understanding of the industry and the islands. He commented: “I very much welcome Fiona’s appointment, and I look forward to working with her over the next period… and her passionate approach to Harris Tweed® and to our island’s culture and identity.”
MacKenzie described the role as a “great honour” and emphasised the responsibility of safeguarding the world-famous cloth and the community that produces it. She said: “Harris Tweed® is a fabric like no other, and its legal protection under the Harris Tweed Act of 1993 ensures that only fabric handwoven at the homes of islanders in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland from 100% pure new wool can bear the iconic Orb trademark.”
For the incoming Chief Executive, maintaining that legal and cultural integrity will be central to her leadership. “For me, upholding this legacy means maintaining strict quality standards, supporting our community of skilled mill workers and weavers, and educating consumers on the value of authentic, sustainable craftsmanship,” she added.
MacKenzie also underlined her ambition to balance heritage with innovation as the Authority looks to the future. “Harris Tweed® is special. It’s not just a fabric – it’s a living, breathing part of our island heritage and I look forward to playing a part in both preserving that heritage and looking to the future where new approaches and development opportunities await,” she said.
