Mr Scandrett (60) was chief executive at listed biotechnology company Botry-Zen for seven years, leaving last October.
He replaces Duncan Simpson at the employers association, who has left after 11 years.
Mr Scandrett, who has a degree in economics and marketing from the University of Otago and has worked in Otago and Southland all his life, said he had broad experience in business roles, including exporting, manufacturing, intellectual property, economics, biotechnology and marketing, which would be applicable to the wide-ranging sectors represented by the employers association's 1400 members.
Association chairman Philip Broughton said Mr Scandrett's diversified employment background and proven commitment to business development in Otago and Southland would bring a fresh range of skills and expertise to the chief executive position.
Before his position with Botry-Zen, Mr Scandrett was director of commercial development at Otago University, where he was responsible for intellectual property commercialisation, start-up company formation and was a leading figure in the establishment of the $8 million Centre For Innovation at the university.
Earlier, he held senior management and marketing positions in a major New Zealand food and produce organisation.
