About us
Our board
Our board
Our board is appointed by Scottish ministers to strategically guide Scottish Enterprise.
The board meets six times a year to oversee the direction of the organisation and help ensure we are adding value to Scotland's economy efficiently and with impact.
All members disclose their personal interests and follow the Scottish Enterprise Code of Conduct (PDF, 285kB), which helps ensure high standards are maintained in Scottish public life.
Willie Mackie, Interim Chair
Willie Mackie is a fellow of the Institute of Bankers in Scotland. He has over 36 years of experience in the financial services sector, including a spell as the managing partner of Clydesdale Bank’s private and agriculture customer base across Ayrshire and Arran.
Since establishing his business consultancy in 2013, he has played an active role in supporting and promoting skills and economic development through several non-executive positions. These include Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire (board member), Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce (past President), Ayrshire College (Regional Chair) and Chair, hub South West Scotland Limited.
In 2021 he was appointed to the board of Prestwick Airport where he is also Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
In 2014 he was appointed to the board of Skills Development Scotland where he is Chair of the Finance and Operational Committee.
Membership dates
Reappointment: 1 January 2022
To: 31 December 2023 (extension 1 January 2024 to 31 March 2024)
Remunerated posts held
- Chair of Hub South West Scotland Limited
- Director, Willie Mackie (Consulting) Ltd
- Non-Executive Director, Prestwick Aviation Holding Ltd
- Chair of Centrestage Communities Limited
Other directorships
- Trustee, Ayrshire College Foundation
Contracts with Scottish Enterprise
None
Homes, land and buildings
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Shares and securities
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Non-financial interests
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Gifts and hospitality received
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Last updated March 2023
Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive
As Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s national economic development agency, Adrian is responsible for leading a global workforce to create a more productive, resilient and competitive economy for Scotland. To achieve this, Scottish Enterprise helps drive business innovation, build international competitiveness and encourages more investment in companies and infrastructure.
Previously, Adrian was The University of Strathclyde’s first Chief Commercial Officer and member of its Executive Team. He oversaw growth of the University’s extensive industry facing activities, centres and relationships as well as the development of innovative, place-based economic development projects including the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Glasgow City Innovation District.
Before joining Strathclyde, Adrian spent sixteen years at Scottish Enterprise, where he was a member of the Executive Leadership team and Managing Director of Operations.
He led Scottish Enterprise’s business support through account management of high growth companies, entrepreneurship development and high growth start-up support, R&D and innovation support, and the business infrastructure division.
He also held various roles in areas such as the creative industries, digital media and enabling technologies, and energy and low carbon technologies.
During the 1990s, he held various commercial and financial management positions within Marks and Spencer plc.
Adrian has a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from the University of Glasgow, and an MBA with Distinction from the University of Strathclyde.
He is a former trustee of Glasgow Science Centre, the Glasgow Science Centre Endowment Fund, and a former Board member of Opportunity North East (ONE).
Membership dates
From: 1 September 2021
Remunerated posts held
None
Other directorships
None
Contracts with Scottish Enterprise
None
Homes, land and buildings
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Shares and securities
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Non-financial interests
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Gifts and hospitality received
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
Minor business related gifts/hospitality received – all recorded on the Scottish Enterprise Gifts and Hospitality Registers
Last updated March 2023
Dr Poonam Malik
Dr Poonam Malik is an entrepreneurial business strategist, academic leader, and investor in innovation. She is Head of Investments at the University of Strathclyde, responsible for strategic leadership of the university’s enhanced investments from entrepreneurial and commercialisation activities.
Poonam has extensive experience of working in startups, investments, research, innovation, enterprise and governance in health and business sectors across the world. As a GlobalScot, Scottish Enterprise Board Member, Climate Champion, and Skills Development Scotland Board Director, she has held leadership roles across public, private, higher education and social enterprise sectors.
Poonam brings over 25 years expertise working with technology businesses, in life sciences, biotech, health, digital and medical sciences research and innovation. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, impact, equality, diversity and inclusivity values, as well as climate change and achieving net zero. She is a syndicate investor with Investing Women Angels, and a Chair, NED and board-level advisor/consultant for technology startups.
Poonam has held academic positions at the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cumbria/Lancaster and has worked internationally in Asia/India. She is an elected Fellow with the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) and Royal Society of Biology (FRSB). Poonam holds an MBA (with Distinction) in Strategy and Leadership from the University of Edinburgh Business School, a PhD in Biomedical Sciences/Virology from the University of Glasgow, a Masters (MSc) degree in Biotechnology and a Bachelors (BSc) in Chemistry and Zoology from the Dayalbagh Educational Institute in India.
Membership dates
Reappointment: 1 October 2021
To: 30 September 2024
Remunerated posts held
- Board Member, Director, Skills Development Scotland
- Head of Investments, University of Strathclyde
- Chair of the Board and Consultant, Microplate Dx Ltd
- Co-chair New Deal for Business Group
Other directorships
- Director; FirstImpact Business Ltd
- Director; FirstPort for Social Entrepreneurs Scotland Ltd
- Chair- Remuneration Committee; Governor, Court Member - University of the Highlands and Islands
- Director; Microplate DX Ltd
- Director; Microbetech Solutions Limited
Contracts with Scottish Enterprise
None relevant to SE
Homes, land and buildings
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None relevant to SE
Shares and securities
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
- Investor, member - Investing Women Angels (IWA) Ltd; Startup/Scaleup Advisor, Mentor - AccelerateHER
- In Syndication with: Kelvin Capital Equity Gap & EOS Advisory
Non-financial interests
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE); Member; Economy & Enterprise Committee,
- Fellowship of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB)
- Changing The Chemistry (CTC)
- Microbiology Society
- Member, Diversity and Skills Panel (Nominations), RSE
Gifts and hospitality received
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None relevant to SE
Last updated May 2023
Dr Sue Paterson
Dr Sue Paterson MBE is an oil and gas professional with over 35 years of UK and international experience in both technical and executive managerial roles.
She is a qualified IOD Chartered Director, with over 15 years’ experience as a non-executive board member (and board chair) in the private, public, and voluntary sectors.
As well as Scottish Enterprise, Sue is currently serving on the Boards of Company of Wolves, and the community-led North East Scotland Climate Action Network (NESCAN). She received an MBE in the 2020 New Year honours list for services to the community in North East Scotland.
She is the co-author of “The Fear Free Organization: Vital Insights from Neuroscience to Transform Your Business Culture” which was published by Kogan Page in 2015.
Sue is currently involved in helping deliver the transition to a low carbon economy in North East Scotland, as well as working with her local community to reach net zero, reduce biodiversity loss and eliminate waste.
Membership dates
Reappointment: 1 October 2021
To: 30 September 2024
Remunerated posts held
None
Other directorships
- Director of Company of Wolves
- Director Arbeadie Consultants
- Advisory Board of IERC (International Energy Research Council)
- Board member BDI (Banchory Districts Initiative)
Contracts with Scottish Enterprise
None
Homes, land and buildings
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Shares and securities
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Non-financial interests
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Gifts and hospitality received
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Last updated March 2023
Karthik Subramanya
Karthik Subramanya is Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group, advising senior management of utilities across Europe and the Middle East on energy transition, renewables, decarbonisation, and net zero.
He is a panel member of the Competition and Markets Authority and a court member at the University of Dundee.
Before taking on a portfolio of roles, Mr Subramanya held senior executive roles in utilities and banking. He was Director of Strategy and Performance at SSE plc and was also Director of Group Strategy and M&A of Lloyds Banking Group.
Karthik is an electrical engineer and has an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
Membership dates
Reappointment: 1 October 2021
To: 30 September 2024
Remunerated posts held
- Director of GMS Wind Limited
- Panel member, Competition and Markets Authority
- Managing director, Carnatic Capital
Other directorships
- Director, Indian Arts Connection Limited
- Court Member, University of Dundee
Contracts with Scottish Enterprise
None
Homes, land and buildings
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Shares and securities
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Non-financial interests
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Gifts and hospitality received
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Last updated March 2023
Peter McKellar
Peter McKellar was Global Head of Private Markets at Standard Life Aberdeen until September 2020. In the role, he was responsible for overseeing £63 billion of assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, natural resources, and certain private credit capabilities.
He is currently a non-executive director of 3i Group plc and deputy chairman of AssetCo plc.
Membership dates
From: 15 February 2021
End of term: 14 February 2024
Remunerated posts held
- Non-executive Director of 3i Group plc
- Director of AssetCo, an AIM listed company
- Director and Vice Chairman of Investcorp Europe Acquisition Corp 1
- Adviser to Bonaccord Capital Partners
- Non-Executive Director of Investcorp Capital
- Non-Executive Chair of Princess Private Equity Holdings Limited
Other directorships
- Umrigar Investments Limited
- Heather Club Limited
- Moy Sheep Farms LLP
Contracts with Scottish Enterprise
None
Homes, land and buildings
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Shares and securities
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
- 30 Technology Limited
Non-financial interests
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Gifts and hospitality received
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Last updated March 2023
Professor Richard Williams
Professor Richard Williams is an academic and entrepreneur. He is Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University - based in Scotland, UAE and Malaysia.
His background has involved creation and support of businesses and services in the chemical engineering sectors working internationally in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Professor Williams is co-chair of UAE-UK Business Council (Education and Culture) and was a founding director of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (Ansty).
He is also a Trustee of the Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation, the Carnegie Trust for Scottish Universities and is on the advisory board of Lloyds Register Foundation.
Membership dates
From: 1 June 2023
End of term: 31 May 2026
Remunerated posts held
- Principal and Vice Chancellor, Heriot-Watt University
- Advisory Board PSB Academy, Singapore
Other directorships
- Carnegie Trust for Scottish Universities
- Entrepreneurial Scotland
- Foundation
Resilience Partners
Contracts with Scottish Enterprise
- Converge Advisory Board
Homes, land and buildings
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
- Heriot-Watt Estate and Research Park
Shares and securities
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Non-financial interests
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Gifts and hospitality received
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Last updated: June 2023
Professor Gillian Murray
Professor Gillian Murray has a track record in academia over the last 17 years in senior roles aligned to driving economic growth.
She is strategic lead in both Heriot-Watt University’s involvement in the Islands Growth Deal creating the Islands Centre for Net Zero and the National Robotarium component of the Edinburgh City Deal.
Professor Murray was previously involved in economic regeneration in the Liverpool City Region and Northern Powerhouse, founder of LCR4.0 programme that has supported over 600 small-to-medium sized enterprises and the precursor for the UK Government’s Made Smarter programme. She led the development of one of the UK’s first Enterprise Zones and the creation of Sensor City in Liverpool.
Professor Murray is a founding member of the Centre for Work-based Learning.
Membership dates
From: 1 June 2023
End of term: 31 May 2026
Remunerated posts held
NED Lyva Labs, Liverpool
Other directorships
None
Contracts with Scottish Enterprise
As an employee of Heriot-Watt University ( a registered charity) any related contractual arrangements will be flagged and updated to Scottish Enterprise.
Homes, land and buildings
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Shares and securities
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Non-financial interests
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Gifts and hospitality received
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Last updated: June 2023
Raymond O’Hare
Raymond O'Hare is former Director of Microsoft and Chair of the Institute of Directors in Scotland. He has held a number of executive positions at Microsoft and across the technology industry.
Mr. O’Hare has also held a number of Chair and Non-Executive Director roles across various sectors working with high-growth businesses where he has advised on and supported them on business strategy, growth and governance.
He has also mentored a number of Chief Executive Officers as well as up and coming leaders in a number of companies.
Membership dates
From: 1 June 2023
End of term: 31 May 2026
Remunerated posts held
None
Other directorships
- Chairman of ePrevenir (US start-up focused on the prevention and management of diabetes)
Contracts with Scottish Enterprise
None
Homes, land and buildings
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Shares and securities
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Non-financial interests
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Gifts and hospitality received
If significant to, of reference to, or bear upon the work or operation of Scottish Enterprise.
None
Last updated: June 2023
Graham Soutar
Graham Soutar is a chartered accountant. He has extensive experience in advisory, investment and operating roles both in the UK and across Asia, where he worked for more than 25 years.
His career has given him a global mindset and extensive cross border trade expertise in Asian markets. He was a corporate finance partner with Deloitte in Hong Kong, a senior partner in two Asian private equity firms, and until 2018, Chief Executive of the Beatson Cancer Charity based in Glasgow.
He has served on and advised the boards of companies ranging from regulated financial services to tech and private equity funds, as well as their portfolio companies. As such, he brings deep experience of corporate governance and strategic input to this role.
Professor Stephen McArthur
Professor Stephen McArthur is Associate Principal and Executive Dean of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
As an internationally recognised research leader and expert in artificial intelligence and intelligent systems for energy applications, he has delivered over £60 million of collaborative industrial programmes.
He is also a specialist in low-carbon energy technologies and has created and led academic centres, collaborative research programmes and industrial-facing innovation centres.
Professor McArthur is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). He is also a member of the board of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, the National Grid ESO Engineering Advisory Council and the Scottish Power Energy Networks Independent Net Zero Advisory Council.
Download our board minutes
We hold six formal board meetings every year. We've published all the meeting minutes from 2017 onward in PDF format for you to download below.
Board minutes 2023
Board minutes 2022
Board minutes 2021
Board minutes 2020
Board minutes 2019
Board minutes 2018
Board minutes 2017