Greater Glasgow Area
I’m a senior communications and engagement leader with over 20 years’ experience working at the intersection of technology, innovation, public service and global marketing and a former Director of Membership and Stakeholder Engagement at the Scottish Council for Industry and Development (now Prosper). My career has focused on helping organisations explain complex ideas clearly, build trust with stakeholders and turn strategy into action through communications, campaigns and engagement. I have led communications and marketing across government, global technology services and national innovation organisations, advising ministers, executives and senior leaders on reputation, stakeholder engagement and strategic narrative. Alongside this, I have developed a growing specialism in AI capability, governance and adoption for communications and marketing teams, helping organisations use AI productively and responsibly in high-trust environments. At Innovate UK Business Connect I introduced and piloted AI tools for communications teams, authored a Generative AI communications policy extending UKRI and government guidance, and delivered AI training for communicators focused on productivity, accessibility and content integrity. I was invited to deliver the first UKRI-wide session for comms people on AI and communications and delivered an organisation-wide talk that likely attracted highest attendance of the year. Earlier in my career I led global brand and thought leadership programmes across the UK, US, South Africa, Mexico, India and the Philippines for Webhelp (now Concentrix), supporting digital transformation and executive positioning across multiple markets. I’ve also worked within the Scottish Government on national digital identity and public health campaigns, managing large-scale programmes, agency teams and partnerships with organisations including STV, Vodafone and major UK retailers. Across these roles my work has consistently focused on three things: • Building trust and credibility in complex environments • Turning strategy into clear communications and engagement • Helping organisations adopt new technologies responsibly Today I’m particularly interested in work at the intersection of communications, innovation and responsible AI, where organisations need to move quickly while maintaining public trust. Interested in opportunities involving communications leadership, innovation ecosystems, global brand strategy or responsible AI adoption.
Senior leader responsible for system-wide corporate engagement and communications across the UK innovation network, operating at executive level within a complex, regulated public sector environment. • Lead corporate engagement, reputation, campaigns, PR, social, internal communications and executive messaging across Innovate UK Business Connect, working closely with Innovate UK and UKRI • Trusted advisor to senior leaders on communications risk, governance, stakeholder confidence and public-facing decisions • Introduced AI capability and adoption specifically for communications and marketing teams, focused on productivity, accessibility, content integrity and reputational risk, with systems governance built in • Authored a Generative AI Communications Policy under UK Government and UKRI guidance, working with Information Services, Legal and Data Protection colleagues • Designed and delivered AI training for communicators • Delivered a UKRI-wide spotlight on AI and communications, plus an organisation-wide “Window on the Work” session with high attendance • Team adoption of Cision data and media monitoring platform, for insight led reporting
SCDI changed its name to Prosper in 2023. Executive leadership role spanning communications, engagement, events and stakeholder relationships across Scotland’s public, private and social economy. • Led membership, communications, sponsorship and engagement strategy representing 700 organisations and 10,000+ stakeholders • Built trusted relationships with government, industry leaders and senior decision-makers to influence policy and economic priorities • Directed large-scale events, reports and convening activity focused on innovation, skills, STEM and future technologies • Worked with partners to support early engagement with emerging technologies and non-technical audiences • Led organisational repositioning and growth during a period of change, delivering significant revenue uplift and digital engagement growth
Webhelp was acquired by Concentrix in 2023. Global remit (UK, US, South Africa, Mexico, India, Philippines) Global brand, content and thought leadership lead within a multinational technology services organisation operating at scale. • Led global B2B brand, content and digital strategy across multiple regions and time zones • Shaped C-suite thought leadership for CEO and senior leaders across technology, CX and digital transformation agendas • Delivered multi-country rebrands (UK, South Africa, India) and supported a 36-language website programme • Designed and delivered global digital campaigns, webinars and industry content to support growth and market positioning • Played a central role in large-scale online workforce communications and enablement during COVID-19 transition
Senior communications and engagement lead within data, digital identity and public health portfolios, operating in high-trust, high-scrutiny environments. Team lead within the Data, Statistics and Digital Identity Division, managing engagement and communications activity. Led stakeholder engagement and communications for Digital Identity Scotland, reporting into senior ministers and officials. Worked on early chatbot exploration and digital public services, embedding transparency, usability and public trust principles. Led national, data-led public health campaigns with seven-figure budgets, delivering record outcomes “Get Through 72” stop smoking campaign delivered a 2,000% increase in service use via webchats and calls. “We Need Everybody” organ donation campaign increased registrations by 8%, the highest level then recorded. Recognised with Gold and Silver Marketing Society awards.
Led marketing, digital strategy and brand delivery for a £14.5m educational trust, driving digital transformation and engagement growth. Managed teams, agencies and suppliers, positioning the organisation as a sector leader. Large-scale events, publications and alumni engagement with record attendance