The University of Strathclyde’s Chief Commercial Officer, Adrian Gillespie, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of Strathclyde, said: “This appointment represents an excellent opportunity for Adrian, Scottish Enterprise and indeed for the wider Scottish economy.
“Adrian will bring a wealth of knowledge to the role and I am sure that Scottish Enterprise will go on to contribute even more significant economic impact under his leadership. In his time at Strathclyde, Adrian has made key contributions to the delivery of a range of strategically important large-scale projects which have brought multiple partners and stakeholders together to deliver for the whole of the country. He has a detailed understanding of how government, industry and academia can work together to deliver economic growth and his skills and experience are ideally suited to this new role.
“While I am disappointed to lose a very valued and talented colleague, we all wish Adrian every success in his new role and look forward to working with him and the SE team in this new capacity.”
Adrian Gillespie said: “It has been a great privilege to be part of the brilliant Strathclyde team over the last three and a half years, and to be Strathclyde’s Chief Commercial Officer. I would like to thank the Principal for his unwavering support and all my colleagues for making Strathclyde such a special place. To have worked closely with so many brilliant people on projects with such direct impact has been an experience I will always treasure.
In a Place of Useful Learning, I have learned so much about research and innovation, and how to harness the power of an international technological university to benefit the economy and society. I will take this learning into my new role and look forward to working closely with the Strathclyde team in the years ahead.”
Key role
Adrian joined the University of Strathclyde in 2018 as the University’s first Chief Commercial Officer and had responsibility for Innovation & Industry Engagement, Research & Knowledge Exchange and Marketing & Development.
He has played a key role in the development of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, working with multiple partners in a positive and collegiate manner to bring a complex, large-scale project from an ambitious plan to full delivery. Adrian’s expertise and energy moved the project on at pace, while bringing partners along at every stage.
At the same time, Adrian has been essential to Strathclyde’s establishment of Glasgow City Innovation District. Scotland’s first Innovation District came about through Strathclyde’s role in bringing together industry, local government and academia in the creation of this vibrant hub of innovation.
Adrian has worked with the academic and professional services community to drive the recent growth of the University’s industry-facing activity. His active membership of Executive Team and the leadership and strategic direction he has given to key professional services have been crucial in the on-going delivery of Vision2025.
Adrian will take up his new position in September.