This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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OBE for EICC Chief Exec
06/12/2006
First Minister Jack McConnell today presented Hans Rissmann, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), with an Honorary OBE, in recognition of his services to workforce development.
Mr Rissmann, who is also Chair of Investors in People Scotland (IiPS), was at Bute House to receive the honour.
The First Minister said:
"I am delighted to be able to present this honour to Hans Rissmann. He thoroughly deserves this recognition of his success and his contribution to the economy of Edinburgh and of Scotland."
"The EICC has flourished under his leadership. As well as bringing enormous economic benefit to Edinburgh and Scotland, the EICC has achieved some notable firsts and prestigious awards in recognition of its commitment to workforce development.
"Hans has also done a terrific job with Investors in People and made a real difference to the workforce across Scotland."
Speaking at the ceremony Hans Rissmann said:
"As an adopted Scot I am extremely delighted and proud to receive this honour from the First Minister and to have played a part in promoting people development in business that is critical to Scotland's success in international markets"
Background
Born in Germany, Mr Rissmann has made Scotland his adopted home for over 25 years.
Mr Rissmann was appointed as the first Chief Executive of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in 1993, and oversaw its construction, opening and international marketing.
Since opening in 1995 Edinburgh International Conference Centre has hosted more than 650,000 delegates including over 150,000 from overseas
Mr Rissmann was appointed Chair of Investors in People Scotland in 2000 and is also a board member of Investors in People UK. . The strategic leadership body for employee development, IiP in Scotland supports 3,700 businesses, working with the standard, covering more than 400,000 employees.
The Investors in People (IiP) Standard promotes business improvement through the effective management of people. IiP Scotland is responsible for the assessment and accreditation of IiP in Scotland and is a non-profit subsidiary of SEn and HIE with private company status.
British Honours are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement or service to British interests. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917 to recognise service by civilians in the First World War. The Order now honours civilians and service personnel for public service and other distinguished service.
The honour OBE is that of an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Honorary awards are conferred by the The Queen, on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, on those foreign nationals who have made an important contribution to British interests. They are made through the year and are quite distinct from the New Year and Birthday Honours list.