Public appointment: Chair appointed to Scottish Enterprise

The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP, today announced the appointment of Professor Sir Jim McDonald as the new Chair of Scottish Enterprise.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

“Professor McDonald is an internationally recognised figure with a track record of driving innovation and change.

“His experience and expertise will no doubt be an asset to Scottish Enterprise, which attracts investment and backs ambitious companies and projects throughout Scotland.

“I look forward to working with Sir Jim to grow Scotland’s economy, secure the economic benefits of the transition to net zero and support new businesses that capitalise on the research and ingenuity of our universities.”

Sir Jim McDonald said:

"It is an honour to take on the role of Chair of Scottish Enterprise. Scotland is rich in talent, innovation, and opportunity, and I am committed to working with the organisation and its partners to drive economic growth, create opportunities, and champion sustainable development in achieving a net zero economy.

“With emerging technologies and a changing global economy, there has never been a more important time to support Scottish businesses and attract inward investment. Having been involved with Scottish Enterprise previously as a Board member, I understand the vital role it plays in supporting Scotland's economy. Collaboration has been a cornerstone of my career, and I look forward to bringing that same ethos to this new role."

Chair

Professor Sir Jim McDonald began his career in 1978 as an electrical power system engineer with SSEB (now Scottish Power) before joining the University of Strathclyde as a New Blood Lecturer in 1984 going on to be appointed as the Rolls-Royce Professor of Electrical Systems, Director of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre at Strathclyde and Director of the Centre for Electrical Power Engineering in partnership with the UK electrical utility sector. He became Principal of the University of Strathclyde in 2009 and has led them to global recognition as a leading international technological university with deep business, industry and government collaborations. He has led the creation of Scotland’s two most successful Innovation Districts - Glasgow City Innovation District and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland supporting industrial investment, productivity, competitiveness and job creation. Over the past five years he has been President of the Royal Academy of Engineering – the first Scot to have held the position – and this placed him at the heart of UK engineering and technology policy and a member of the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology.  He co-Chairs, with the First Minister, the Scottish Energy Advisory Board and co-Chairs, with the Leader of Glasgow City Council, the Glasgow Economic Leadership Board.  He led the recent publication of two national reports on Scotland’s Innovation Strategy and opportunities for Floating Offshore Wind in Scotland. He has been involved in several University entrepreneurial start-up and spin-out tech companies and has significant corporate Non-Exec Director experience, including with FTSE-100 and NASDAQ listed companies. This includes positions with Scottish Power, Supernode Ltd, Enginuity, NPL, Weir Group plc, Axeda Systems and as a past Non-Exec Director of Scottish Enterprise. In the Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours List 2012, he was awarded a Knighthood for Services to Education, Engineering and the Economy and in the King’s New Year’s Honours List 2024, he was given the rare honour of being awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) for Services to Engineering, Education and Energy.

Appointment

The appointment is for three years from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.

The appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

The Chair receives £50,225 per annum for a time commitment of 91 days per year.

Other Ministerial appointments

Professor Sir Jim McDonald does not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Scottish Enterprise (SE) is the national economic development agency for Scotland.  It focuses specifically on the energy transition, innovation and driving capital investment to improve productivity and works closely with regional partners including Highland and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise.  It has statutory powers to promote and assist economic development, enterprise and international competitiveness and to advise Scottish Ministers on all related matters.  SE has its headquarters in Glasgow and is responsible in 2024-25 for an annual budget allocation of approximately £225 m together with additional business income from its investments and property assets.