Tell us about your background
I was born and raised in Glasgow. My father was a teacher, and my parents made education of their children their top priority.
Why did you choose Strathclyde?
I researched MBAs and Strathclyde’s triple AMBA accreditation and the feedback I’d had from people who had undertaken an MBA at Strathclyde led me to apply there.
I found that my Strathclyde MBA had given me the knowledge and confidence to take on very demanding roles at SE, including in sectors that were new to me. I became more involved in our international business and led efforts to secure international investment into Scotland in emerging renewables and low carbon technologies, including securing the Offshore Energy Catapult with Sir Jim McDonald.
Where are you now?
I became a member of Scottish Enterprise’s Executive Leadership Team in 2013, then left to join the University of Strathclyde in 2018 as its first Chief Commercial Officer, and then I returned to Scottish Enterprise as CEO in September 2021.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The main highlight of my career has been working for two organisations with a very strong purpose and impact on the society and the economy. Other highlights include supporting innovation in offshore wind, wave and tidal energy and seeing these innovations being deployed in Scottish waters, and also launching the Glasgow City Innovation District, Scotland’s first innovation district. I’m very much looking forward to the openings of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre, and the future development of international innovation districts in Scotland.