Welcome to September’s stacked edition of Movers & Shakers!
Call it musical chairs, call it momentum – either way, Scottish boardrooms have been very busy over the last month, and we’ve got the inside track on the wave of new appointments, from the fresh faces stepping in to the seasoned players making strategic moves.
It’s not just talent making moves, though, with September seeing a host of exciting new partnerships struck across industries, in everything from cutting edge fintech and cyber ventures to the digital transformation of Scotland’s iconic ferries.
To top off all that news, we’re still celebrating the winners of this year’s Scottish Fintech Awards after a glittering ceremony in Edinburgh.
All that and more below.
Appointments
Former Salesforce VP Joins AND Digital to Lead AI Strategy
Edinburgh tech consultancy AND Digital has appointed Kenn van Hauen as chief AI officer to lead the company’s AI, Automation, and Intelligent Systems Practice Area, while overseeing the evolution of expertise across all strategic disciplines.
In his dual role, van Hauen will drive AND Digital’s Practice Areas model, the company’s approach to building deep, differentiated expertise across all strategic capabilities.
With a career spanning Capgemini, Salesforce and PA Consulting, van Hauen brings a track record of delivering transformational change across AI, data platforms, and automation, building intelligent systems that deliver sustainable, measurable impact.
“My role is about ensuring AND Digital leads through technical excellence across all our practice areas, with AI as the catalyst for transformation,” said van Hauen.
“The companies that will win aren’t those with the most pilots, they’re those with the discipline to connect technology to customer value, build sustainable AI economics, and create the orchestration infrastructure that makes these systems work at scale.”
Read more here.
FinTech Scotland Appoints Clare Reid as Strategic Innovation Director
FinTech Scotland has appointed Clare Reid as Strategic Innovation Director, where she will support the direction and implementation of the FinTech Scotland Research & Innovation Roadmap, with a particular focus on the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab (FRIL).
Having most recently worked as Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Prosper, Reid brings twenty years of experience across innovation, research, financial services, and policy, with her appointment coming as FRIL accelerates its ambitions for fintech growth, technology adoption and collaboration across the financial sector.
“I’m delighted to be joining FinTech Scotland at such an exciting time in their development,” said Reid.
“FRIL is a pioneering initiative that has real potential to create positive change for consumers, society and the environment and I’m excited to have the opportunity to play a part in that and in the future direction as we look to scale up the initiative.”
Read more here.
Glasgow Climate Tech IES Welcomes New Chief Executive
Glasgow climate tech firm IES has appointed Christine Mullin as its new chief executive officer, succeeding founder Dr Don McLean after more than three decades at the helm.
With extensive leadership experience from senior roles at Microsoft UK, Dext, MetaPack, Bookatable, and most recently as chief operating officer at Texthelp, Mullin brings a track record in scaling businesses, driving growth and delivering successful outcomes.
Mullin’s appointment following strategic investment last year from the Apax Global Impact Fund, which is accelerating the company’s international expansion, with the firm’s tech already in use at sites including MGM Las Vegas and the Dubai Opera House.
“What drew me to IES is the same thing that drives everyone here – a belief in the power of our technology to make a tangible difference by optimising the energy performance of buildings and infrastructure worldwide,” said Mullin.
“I’m honoured to get the opportunity to build on Don’s remarkable legacy, working with the outstanding IES team and our broader network of industry partners to lead IES into its next phase of growth.”
Read more here.
Microsoft MVP Joins Brightsolid to Strengthen Cloud & Security Solutions
Brightsolid has appointed Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Charlie Gough as Head of Cloud Solutions to support the company’s continued development of hybrid cloud and cybersecurity services.
In his new role he will lead the development of the firm’s cloud and managed detection and response services, with a focus on deepening integration with Microsoft solutions and further expanding the company’s capabilities in cloud security.
“This role brings together two of the things that matter most to me: technology and culture. I’ve been fortunate to work in many different environments, but Brightsolid stood out for its commitment to both technical excellence and a people-first approach,” said Gough.
“I’m excited to build on that foundation by helping evolve our Microsoft cloud and security services, mentoring the team, and ensuring customers receive the right solutions to meet their business goals.”
Read more here.
Barrier Networks Appoints Peter Villiers as Director of Cyber Risk
Barrier Networks has announced the appointment of Peter Villiers as its new Director of Cyber Risk, where he will lead and grow the firm’s Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) business, bringing a mix of technical authority, strategic leadership and a passion for cyber resilience.
Having served in roles across defence, government, national infrastructure and FTSE100 organisations, Villiers brings expertise across cyber strategy, risk management and operations. As a dedicated Cyber Reservist, Villiers also leads teams that deliver cyber mission assurance, incident response and pen-testing on defence systems around the world.
His appointment comes after a year of growth for Barrier, with both revenue and headcounts increasing, and coincides with the imminent launch of the company’s first piece of proprietary software, which will be released later this year to help organisations manage their cyber risk.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Peter to Barrier,” said Ian McGowan, managing director of Barrier Networks.
“His background across defence, critical infrastructure and operational technology makes him a perfect fit for our team, and our customers will significantly benefit from his expertise in securing complex, high-risk environments.”
Read more here.
Glasgow’s Simple Online Healthcare Adds New C-suite Roles
Glasgow-based digital health platform Simple Online Healthcare has announced two new senior leadership appointments aimed at enhancing patient care as the firm looks to further international growth.
Bev Dumbleton will join the firm in the newly created role of chief patient experience officer and executive leader, while Simple Online’s clinical director Abdal Alvi, who began his career in ‘bricks and mortar’ pharmacies, has been promoted to chief clinical officer after five years with the company.
“These senior appointments demonstrate our absolute commitment to clinical rigour and patient care, and our desire to always be one of the most reputable and trustworthy online healthcare providers against a backdrop of challenging market dynamics,” said Simple Online CEO Addy Mohammed.
“The combination of Bev’s deep experience in customer-centricity and Abdal’s focus on clinical strategy will deliver a step change in online patient experience, maintaining the highest standards of safety and effectiveness as we continue to scale at speed.”
Read more here.
Edinburgh Digital Transformation Firm Doubles Headcount
After doubling its headcount last year, digital transformation firm Zudu has appointed former ClearSky Logic exec Paul Duffy as its new managing director, alongside a string of other high profile hires and promotions.
Among those, Laura McTurk takes on the role of Operations Director, while Angus Turner becomes Zudu’s Commercial Director. Meanwhile, former Whitespace managing director Iain Valentine has been brought onboard as a strategic adviser.
Specialising in building scalable software platforms and unlocking value from AI, Zudu marked its 10th anniversary last year, with the firm celebrating successes with clients including Weir, NHS, Havas, Wood, Scotrail, and the Scottish Government.
“The skills and knowledge the Zudu team has built up through working on hundreds of projects puts us in a strong position to advise, support and engage with our customers,” said Duffy.
“Scotland has a strong tradition of world-class software delivery companies, and we want to add to that tradition.”
Read more here.
Angel Capital Scotland Names First CEO
Angel Capital Scotland (ACS), the newly established successor body to LINC Scotland, has announced the appointment of Margaret Morton as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
With over three decades of leadership experience across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, Morton will lead ACS as an independent, member-focused organisation, championing key strategic priorities to grow Scotland’s angel ecosystem.
“The foundations laid by LINC Scotland have created a thriving angel investment community that punches well above its weight on the global stage,” said Morton.
“Our role now is to build on this success and provide a voice for this community in an evolving regulatory environment, ensuring Scottish high-growth companies continue to access the capital they need while attracting fresh investment talent to our market.”
Read more here.
Tech Experts Join Zebra Growth Advisory Board
Edinburgh regenerative marketing consultancy, Zebra Growth, has launched a strategic three-year business plan with the appointment of an international board of advisors.
The firm has brought in six sustainable business leaders from around the world, including Simon Farrell, former co-owner and MD of design consultancy Tayburn, as well as South African art activist and founder of Learning 2 Unlearn, Ashanti Kunene, and Juho Makkonen, founder of Helsinki-based software firm Sharetribe.
Joining them is Alisha Morris, who set up Candadian consultancy Traumatized & THRIVING, former MD of Ben & Jerry’s Europe, Anuradha Chugh, and impact investment specialist Jonathan Eade in Berlin.
“This board brings together visionary practitioners united by a shared commitment to shifting away from ‘business as usual’ and imagining a more balanced approach,” said Lee Fitzpatrick, Zebra’s managing director.
“Over the next three years, we will strengthen our consultancy, launch our education business model and raise aligned finance that safeguards our long-term sustainability.
Valcon Appoints Laura Casci as New UK Managing Partner
European AI and data consultancy Valcon has hired Laura Casci as the new managing partner of the firm’s British arm, Valcon UK.
An experienced industry leader, Casci has been responsible for opening and growing the footprint of tech consultancy BJSS in Scotland, before being promoted to regional director with a team of 400.
In her new role, Casci will work to implement the Valcon Group’s vision of being a powerhouse in data and AI business transformation, tailoring the strategy for the UK market, identifying key target sectors, developing the business pipeline and ensuring the quality of delivery.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laura as our new UK Managing Partner,” said Geert van den Goor, Group CEO of Valcon.
“Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for our UK business and I have no doubt she will be a breath of fresh air, inspiring our team and strengthening our position in the market as a European powerhouse in data and AI led business transformation.”
TransiT Appoints New Head of Data
TransiT, the UK’s national Digital Twinning Hub for Decarbonising Transport, has appointed Barbara Alvarez Solanilla as its new head of data, helping research teams manage and deploy the rapidly growing volumes of transport data.
Solanilla joins the TransiT team from University of Glasgow-based research hub, the Urban Big Data Centre, where she was senior research engineering manager, experience she will use in her new role to build data governance, management and infrastructure at TransiT.
The transport system data TransiT is collecting includes air, rail, shipping and road freight data, with Solanilla’s work ensuring it is collected, stored, shared and secured in a way that is efficient, sustainable and safe.
“Building data literacy across projects like TransiT is essential,” said Solanilla.
“Data will allow us to model every granular detail of the UK’s transport system across road, rail, air and maritime and test different decarbonisation strategies. Without robust, well‑governed and widely shared data, our efforts to decarbonise transport will be slower, riskier and less effective.”
2i Testing Hires New Head of Enterprise
Edinburgh tech firm 2i Testing has appointed seasoned industry leader Simon Evans to the newly created head of enterprise role, marking the launch of an ambitious new division.
The move signals 2i’s formal entry into the fast-growing enterprise resource planning (ERP) space, with Evans bringing nearly three decades of experience, including his founding of one of the UK’s most successful ERP testing consultancies, Experior, which was later acquired by Qualitest.
In his new position at 2i, Evans will shape strategy, build a dedicated team and oversee opportunities across platforms including SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, MS Dynamics, Workday and ServiceNow.
“My priorities are simple. Establish and grow a brilliant team, support existing clients, and expand into new sectors where enterprise assurance can make a real difference,” said Evans.
“There is huge potential here to create a growth engine that shapes the next chapter of this incredible business.”
TechFest Appoints Martha Gavan as New Managing Director
TechFest has appointed Martha Gavan as its new Managing Director to drive the charity’s mission of inspiring young people to engage with STEM across Scotland.
With more than seven years’ experience of working at TechFest, including four as deputy managing director, Gavan has helped grow TechFest’s reach by delivering events annually with more than forty partners across key STEM sectors.
Now, as managing director, she plans to build on that success by championing the promotion of STEM activities that engage, challenge, inform, and inspire young people across Scotland.
Joining Martha in a leadership role is Yashka Smith, who steps into the position of deputy managing director.
Formerly TechFest’s education manager, Smith brings experience in programme development and delivery, with her appointment strengthening the leadership team, and supporting TechFest’s plans to forge new partnerships.
“TechFest has always been committed to inspiring the next generation of STEM thinkers, and I’m excited to continue building on that legacy,” said Gavan.
“I look forward to helping more young people in Scotland get access to quality education experiences, be that in school at home or at one of our many events, that help them see a future for themselves in STEM careers.”
Partnerships
FinTech Scotland and Scottish Enteprise Launch North America Fintech Gateway
A new initiative to support international growth for Scottish fintech companies has been launched, led by Scottish Enterprise and FinTech Scotland.
The new Fintech Gateway between Scotland and North America has been designed to accelerate international growth for Scottish fintech companies, while also attracting a new wave of foreign direct investment and serving as a blueprint for new markets targeted by Scottish businesses.
The venture, announced by Scottish Minister for Business, Richard Lochhead, is an 18-month programme tailored to fintechs based in Scotland that are export ready and actively targeting the North American region, and marks the first time such a sectorial and a geographical approach has been taken in Scotland for the fintech industry.
“This new initiative represents a significant milestone in our mission to position Scotland as a global fintech powerhouse,” said Lochhead.
“The gateway will help to cement our reputation as one of the best places in the world to create the financial technologies of the future. This follows the rapid growth of the sector which has created thousands of high-paid jobs in Scotland in recent years.”
Read more here.
Scottish Merger Creates Major Tech Services Provider
Converged Solutions Group has announced its launch into the UK market, bringing together four Scottish technology organisations under one unified brand, with technology industry leader, Graeme Gordon, appointed as the group’s new CEO.
The new group brings together Converged Communication Solutions, IFB, Converged Rural Broadband, and Scot-Tech Fire & Security, forming a single, integrated provider of IT, connectivity, cybersecurity, telephony and physical security services.
The move turns Converged Solutions Group into one of Scotland’s largest independent technology businesses, and follows the recent acquisition of IFB by Converged Communication Solutions.
“This is an exciting time for Converged Solutions Group. Together as one unified team we are enhancing our offerings while delivering greater value to customers. By uniting our expertise and resources, we are creating a stronger business poised for success,” said Graeme Gordon, CEO of Converged Solutions Group.
Read more here.
New Edinburgh Academic Partnership to Boost Skills and Innovation
Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College have agreed a collaborative partnership with the aim of developing the region’s innovation, enterprise and skills through improved connectivity with academic expertise and support.
The agreement will see increased collaboration around knowledge exchange and innovation projects, and will enhance the ambitions laid out in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Regional Innovation Action Plan, as well as the Scottish Government’s Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint.
The deal follows the recent expansion of ENU’s enterprise hub Bright Red Triangle, which offers specialist support to Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College members, and has supported more than 1,000 start-ups and freelancers since 2005.
“This collaboration will build on the expertise of all three institutions, with an overall aim of contributing to Scotland’s economic development, while benefiting our students, communities and industry partners,” said Professor Gary Hutchison, assistant principle at Edinburgh Napier University.
Read more here.
New Digital Inclusion Alliance to Tackle Scotland’s Digital Divide
The newly formed Digital Inclusion Alliance (DIA) has partnered with the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) in an effort to further research into the state of digital exclusion throughout Scotland and provide guidance on the most digitally deprived regions.
The DIA has been established as an independent, multi-sector organisation, with the Scottish Government participating as a member alongside other public, private and third sector partners.
Through the partnership, the DPA will work with the DIA to coordinate engagement with local authorities, private sector and public services, align efforts to tackle structural barriers to digital inclusion, and support joint advocacy and communications on digital inclusion.
“Guided by the research of the DIA, the Digital Poverty Alliance’s work in Scotland will become more targeted and more impactful, bringing devices, digital skills and prioritising affordable digital access to those who need it most,” said Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance.
Read more here.
Police Scotland and Abertay Unite to Tackle Deepfakes and Fraud
Abertay cyberQuarter and Police Scotland have announced a new partnership to drive forward strategic cyber-crime prevention projects and tackle emerging digital threats.
With the collaboration, Police Scotland’s Cybercrime Investigations and Digital Forensics units will work alongside researchers and students from Abertay Uni on a range of projects, including deepfake detection training and analysis of criminal interview techniques.
The partnership aims to promote knowledge sharing between police officers, students and staff, with Abertay receiving sponsorship for two PhD scholarships from the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, and Police Scotland gaining access to the cyberQuarter’s training and secure malware analysis lab.
“Our work with Abertay cyberQuarter will be driven by a newly established Cyber and Fraud Unit, comprising of specialist detectives and staff, that will develop new capabilities and training to tackle emerging digital threats to Scotland,” said Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston.
Read more here.
New Alliance Positions Glasgow as UK’s 3D Capital
Glasgow is set to position itself as the UK’s 3D content creation capital with the launch of a new industry-academic partnership.
The University of Glasgow, the Glasgow School of Art, and City of Glasgow College are joining forces with industry partners Float Digital, ISO Design, Lateral North and Soluis to establish the 3D Content Creation Working Group.
The new working group will identify key commercial challenges and opportunities in this growing field, and co-develop solutions that leverage each institution’s strengths in research, innovation and skills development to drive economic growth for Glasgow’s creative economy.
“By collaborating across education and industry, we can ensure that Glasgow continues to lead in creative innovation, attracting global investment and creating high-quality jobs for the future,” said Alison Bell, dean of the faculty of creative industries at City of Glasgow College.
Read more here.
CalMac Partners with Edinburgh Storm ID For New Data Strategy
CalMac, Scotland’s principle ferry operator for the West Coast and Hebridean isles, has entered a partnership with Edinburgh-based tech consultancy Strom ID to develop a new data strategy.
The partnership will see Storm ID begin with an assessment of the existing data infrastructure, before working with relevant stakeholders to define a future vision for CalMac’s data strategy, aligned with best practice data governance.
The data strategy will focus on several key areas, empowering CalMac to employ data-driven decisions across its organisation, with Storm ID help to optimise operations via data insights, developing an overall culture of data-driven innovation.
“We are on a journey to fully embed a data driven culture and to recognise data as one of our most important assets,” said David Gammie, IT director at CalMac. “This collaboration with Storm ID is important to accelerate our plans and ensure we build the right foundations moving forwards.”
Read more here.
Aberdeen and Titanbay Simplify Access to Private Markets
Investment firm Aberdeen has announced a strategic partnership with Titanbay, a European private markets infrastructure provider, to help UK distributors and wealth managers deal with operational and tech complexities when accessing private markets.
It’s hoped that the partnership can solve delays and lost investment opportunities caused by legacy systems and traditional trading platforms, with wealth managers able to scale at pace across the full investment lifecycle.
Aberdeen’s Global Private Markets Fund (GPMF) is one of two global multi-asset private market funds available to wealth managers through Titanbay, which also manages manual subscriptions, ‘Know Your Customer’ processes and redemption windows.
“As interest in our Global Private Markets Fund grows, addressing operational constraints has become increasingly important,” said Xavier Meyer, CEO of Aberdeen Investments.
“Titanbay’s infrastructure and proactive approach to resolving these challenges will significantly enhance distributors’ ability to effectively serve their clients.”
Expansions
Hitachi Energy to Open Glasgow Engineering Hub
Hitachi Energy is bringing its new UK Engineering Centre of Excellence to Glasgow, with the Japanese tech giant looking to modernise the UK’s electrical grid and accelerate the shift to net zero.
Set to open early next year, the centre will be the base for eighty-eight engineers and project managers, with the engineering skill set available in Scotland expected to be shared throughout the firm’s global network, boosting Hitachi’s plans to expand to over 1,000 employees across the UK by 2027.
Backed by more than £3 million in funding, including a £1.7 million grant from Scottish Enterprise, the centre strengthens the Scottish Government’s push to deepen ties with Japan.
“I am very proud of the role Hitachi Energy is playing in the vital task of developing the electricity grid for Scotland’s electrified future,” said Hirohide Hirai, VP and executive officer at Hitachi.
“The UK is a very important country for the whole of the Hitachi Group. People are our most important asset, and establishing our new Glasgow Centre is a key step in welcoming more local talent to support our growth.”
Read more here.
Awards
Scottish Fintech Awards 2025: Winners Revealed
The winners of the 2025 Financial Technology Awards have been announced, with Loveelectric, the electric car affordability firm, securing the prestigious “Fintech of the Year” award.
Hosted by DIGIT at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, this year’s awards recognised outstanding companies and individuals working in Scotland’s financial services and fintech ecosystem.
Other winners included Finspector, which took home the coveted “Start Up of the Year” prize, while GoCodeGreen won in the Digital Transformation category, and Mylo from Aegon came top in Financial Services Innovation.
Speaking after their win, Loveelectric sales director Ben Nixon said: “For Scottish fintech, this really shows that we are at the forefront of the ecosystem – Scotland has a lot to offer, we are competitive, and the scene is very much alive.”
Read more here.
Inspiring Edinburgh Founder Awarded Purple Plaque by Innovate UK
Danae Shell, the founder and CEO of digital legal platform Valla, has been honoured for her work in tech with a purple plaque from Innovate UK, part of a campaign inviting Women in Innovation Award winners to lead assemblies and workshops for students, showing that anyone, regardless of background or gender, can shape the future through innovation.
To encourage more young women in STEM fields, Innovate UK’s purple plaques have been designed to recognise the achievements of inspirational women innovators across the country, with eighty-six new plaques unveiled at schools and universities around the UK since 2019.
“Receiving this purple plaque is incredibly meaningful to me, not just as recognition of Valla’s work in making legal support accessible to everyone, but as an opportunity to give back and inspire the next generation,” said Shell.
Read more here.
Converge Finalists 2025 Revealed, With £400K Prize Up for Grabs
Converge has announced the first wave of finalists in its 2025 competition, with this year’s offerings nearly doubling to a prize pot of more than £400,000, including £305,00 in cash awards and over £100,000 of in-kind business support.
Among those competing are student startups from the University of Edinburgh, including AI focused firm’s Qinara and MantaRAI, as well as Softech Robotics, a medtech start-up out of Dundee Uni, and Neurodapt from Strathclyde University, which is developing wearable tech.
Winners and runners-up will be named at the Converge Awards today (Thursday, 2nd October) at Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh.
“It’s inspiring to see this year’s finalists reach such a pivotal stage in their entrepreneurial journey,” said Adam Kosterka, executive director at Converge.
Read more here.
DataKirk SEMFEST 2025 Awards Finalists Revealed
The DataKirk has announced the finalists for the Scottish Ethnic Minority Talent Festival & Awards (SEMTSF Awards 2025), a landmark celebration honouring organisations and teams driving progress in diversity, digital skills, innovation, and sustainability across Scotland.
Following an overwhelming number of direct and indirect nominations, DataKirk’s judging panel has shortlisted four outstanding finalists in each of the ten award categories, with the awards set to take place on 9 October at Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, where Richard Lochhead, Scotland’s minister for business, will appear as keynote speaker.
Read more here.
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