University appointment for former Scottish Enterprise boss

Lena Wilson CBE

The University of Strathclyde has appointed former Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson CBE as a visiting professor.

The three-year appointment will see Dr Wilson, drawing on her experience in trade and investment gained over a 30 year career, delivering lectures to students in Strathclyde Business School, with her inaugural speech scheduled for 16 April.

A non-executive director on the boards of the Royal Bank of Scotland, ScottishPower Renewables and Intertek, Glasgow-born, Wilson was chief executive of Scottish Enterprise from 2009 until 2017, having previously held the role of chief operating officer at the same organisation, and chief executive officer at Scottish Development International.



Herself a holder of an MBA from Strathclyde and a degree in public administration, she has also worked for the World Bank in Washington DC as a senior investment adviser to international governments.

She was made a Commander of the British Empire in the Queen’s birthday honours in 2015 for services to the Scottish economy.

Dr Wilson, who was awarded an honorary degree from Strathclyde in 2016, said: “I see this role as a way of contributing to the University and specifically the Business school in a meaningful way.

“I hope to contribute as broadly as possible using all my international business experience and networks to help the future leaders emerging from Strathclyde and pass on to them what I have been so privileged to learn and experience.”

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal & vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said: “Lena is a hugely-experienced business professional who has a comprehensive overview of the business sector in Scotland, economic development policy and public sector agencies. She will bring significant knowledge, expertise and added-value to Strathclyde Business School.”

Professor David Hillier, Executive Dean of Strathclyde Business School, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Lena to the Business School. I am sure our students will greatly benefit from her knowledge of and insights into industry, enterprise and innovation in Scotland. Dr Wilson’s extensive international network will be a major asset to the Business School and University over the coming years as we seek to strengthen our global positioning as a socially progressive organisation.”

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