AlumniDonald Colvin

Courses studied: BA (Hons) Economics (1975) and MBA (1978)

Position at time of writing: Non-Executive Director of Agilysys Inc in Georgia

Interesting fact: Donald sits on The University of Strathclyde USA Foundation Board. The Foundation has supported the University, making grants in support of scholarships, teaching and learning resources and students' clubs and societies.

Why did you choose Strathclyde?

I chose Strathclyde because it had a ‘modern’ reputation and was rated highly in Economics which I wished to study.

Tell us about your background

I was born in Dumbarton, Glasgow. I studied a BA (Hons) in Economics and graduated in 1975. I then went on to study an MBA and graduated in 1978.

I started out as a Cost Accountant, then Chief Accountant and Financial Controller with a variety of companies including Motorola, and Atmel Aix en Provence.

My move to the US provided opportunities with Atmel San Jose USA, ON Semi Phoenix AZ and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

I became CFO of a Private Company in 1989 and CFO of a Public Company in 1998 when I moved to the USA.

Since 2015 I have been active as a Director of two private and three Public Companies. I am currently the Audit Committee chair of three companies.

Do you have a highlight from your time at university?

I was very happy to be accepted into Strathclyde Business School.

What would you say are the best three things about Strathclyde?

The best three things about Strathclyde are the friendly encouraging teachers, the good library facilities and ability to have an active student life.

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

When I became CFO of the private company in France, I was able to successfully redo the capital structure and sell the company to a much bigger American company. This preserved jobs and opened up a world of new opportunities for me.