Ray Macfarlane, a former managing director of Scottish Enterprise, will take up the post at the start of next month.

Culture minister Mike Watson announced the appointment after a three-month search for candidates.

The minister said Ms Macfarlane, who has held jobs with several prominent Scottish firms, would bring useful business experience to the agency.

Full potential

He said: "As an existing board member, she will bring continuity and a wide range of relevant experience to the post.

"I look forward to working with Ray - and the rest of the board - to ensure that the full potential of Scotland's screen industry is realised."

The post became vacant when James Lee stepped down at the end of May after four years as chairman.

He had reportedly been based in the south of England during his tenure and believed it was time to hand over the post to someone living locally.

As an existing board member, she will bring continuity and a wide range of relevant experience to the post

Culture minister Mike Watson

The new film chief is a qualified solicitor and has been the senior director of market development at the Bank of Scotland since 2000.

Ms Macfarlane, who has been a member of the Scottish Screen board since 1997, also sits on the boards of the Scottish Institute of Sport, St Mary's Music School Trust and the Local Investment Network Company Scotland.

Last summer the chief executive of Scottish Screen, John Archer, stepped down. He was replaced by Steve McIntyre.

Scottish Screen was created seven years ago and is responsible for the promotion and development of all aspects of film, television and related media in Scotland.

It received a �2.6m grant from the executive in 2002-03.

The post of chairman is unpaid and involves spending two days a month on Scottish Screen business.