DAVID Shearer, the dealmaker who used to run the Scottish operations of accountancy giant Deloitte, has been appointed a non-executive director of Speedy Hire. Mr Shearer’s appointment was proposed by Toscafund, the activist investor which wanted Speedy Hire’s chairman Jan Åstrand removed. It was supported by 53 per cent of votes cast at a general meeting with around 47 per cent opposed. Some 63 per cent of votes cast opposed a resolution to remove Mr Åstrand, as a director of the company, with 37 per cent in favour. Last week Speedy Hire rejected calls from Toscafund to merge with rival HSS Hire, saying the company was enjoying a recovery. Mr Shearer stepped down as the then Deloitte & Touche’s senior partner Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2003. He went on to hold board positions with companies ranging from HBOS bank to the Superglass insulation business.
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