AlumniClaire Reid

Course studied: BA (Hons) International Business and Modern Languages, 1998

Position at time of writing: UK Head of Risk, PwC

Interesting fact: A gap year abroad and a year studying in France helped shape a global career that has taken Claire from graduate entry to the UK leadership team of a global firm

Tell us a bit about your background

I grew up in Scotland and studied International Business and Modern Languages at the University of Strathclyde. Before starting university, I took a gap year on a student exchange programme in Chicago, which proved to be a formative experience and helped build the confidence and global outlook that have shaped my career. During my degree, I also spent a year studying at a business school in Nice, graduating fluent in French.

I joined PwC in Glasgow as a graduate in 1998, starting my career in risk and consulting. Early on, I was given the opportunity to work internationally, including a secondment to PwC in California, where I worked across San Jose and San Francisco in the Consulting practice, specialising in Oracle technology.

My career since then has been truly global. I spent a significant period in PwC’s London office, where I helped build and grow the firm’s Oracle business and later played a key role in developing our cyber security practice. On returning to Scotland, I went on to lead PwC’s Scottish practice as Regional Leader, working closely with clients to help them navigate the challenges and opportunities created by technology, AI and cyber risk.

Following this, I moved into PwC’s Deals business, where I led our forensics and restructuring practice. Since July 2024, I have been a member of PwC’s UK Management Board, with responsibility for leading the firm’s Risk Services line of service across the UK.

Why did you choose Strathclyde?

Strathclyde had, and still has, an excellent reputation for business studies and, at the time, was one of only two Scottish universities that allowed students to study two languages alongside a business degree.

Do you have a highlight from your time at University?

Without doubt, the people. University was where I formed friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Spending a year in France was a particular highlight – not only for the academic experience, but also for the opportunities it gave me to travel, visit friends in places like Rome, and create many unforgettable memories with friends in and around Nice.

What has been your most memorable moment from your career so far?

There have been many memorable moments throughout my career – delivering impactful projects for clients, working in and visiting different countries, and meeting a wide range of interesting and inspiring people along the way.

The most rewarding highlights, however, have always been seeing people I’ve worked with develop and flourish, achieving their goals and realising their potential. Watching teams and individuals grow over time is one of the most satisfying aspects of leadership.

On a personal level, being appointed to PwC’s UK Management Board stands out as a true highlight and a real privilege, and one that continues to stretch me and allow me to keep learning.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I want to keep making a meaningful difference

My ambition is to continue to be a positive role model and to inspire others – by continuing to learn and develop myself, and by supporting people around me to do the same.

I want to keep making a meaningful difference: for our clients as they navigate an increasingly complex world, for our people as they build fulfilling and rewarding careers, and for the communities we operate in. Being able to lead and shape an organisation like PwC brings both responsibility and opportunity, and I’m motivated by using that platform in the right way.

Above all, I’m excited to continue leading our firm and contributing to its future success – and who knows where that journey may take me next.

 

This case study was updated in January 2026.