ScotlandIS appoints Andrew Weir as Chief Executive

ScotlandIS has appointed Andrew Weir as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Karen Meechan, who stepped down in May.

Weir takes charge of the membership and cluster management organisation for Scotland's digital technologies industry following a recruitment process that drew candidates from across the sector. The body represents a significant part of Scotland's technology economy through its membership base and wider industry work.

His remit includes leading the organisation's work with members, public bodies and industry partners across Scotland's technology sector, with a focus on strengthening links across the ecosystem and supporting members.

He joins from engineering group Weir Group, where he served as Transformation Programme Manager. In that role, he led programmes to cut IT spending and improve internal business operations, delivering savings worth millions of pounds.

Earlier in his career, he held advisory and government roles, including positions in the Scottish and UK governments. He also spent 17 years as an independent consultant, supporting organisations through transformation programmes across sectors including financial services, manufacturing, logistics and pharmaceuticals.

Sector backdrop

The appointment comes as digital technology remains a significant part of the Scottish economy. According to ScotlandIS, Scotland has about 3,900 digital technologies companies, and the sector contributes around GBP £7.5 billion to gross value added.

Across the wider economy, about 100,000 people work in digital technology roles, the organisation says. It adds that 13,000 digital technology job opportunities are created each year in Scotland, and filling all of them would add GBP £1 billion to Scotland's gross value added.

ScotlandIS members employ about 60,000 people and contribute about GBP £4.7 billion to Scotland's gross value added. The organisation works with the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland on industry and skills issues.

Its work has included involvement in the ICT and Digital Technologies Skills Investment Plan, intended to strengthen the skills pipeline from schools through to workplace development. ScotlandIS has also highlighted the sector's export contribution, describing digital technology as Scotland's fourth-strongest export sector, with exports of more than GBP £3.3 billion.

Leadership change

Weir takes over following Meechan's departure after she led the organisation through a period of growth in the sector's profile. His appointment puts an executive with experience in both business change programmes and government structures at the head of one of Scotland's best-known technology industry bodies.

Commenting on his appointment, Weir set out his initial priorities.

"It's a real honour to be joining ScotlandIS, an organisation that plays such a vital role in championing Scotland's technology sector and is so widely respected across industry and government. This is an incredibly exciting time for Scotland's technology sector - digital technologies and AI are shaping every industry, and the UK's AI agenda shows how seriously government is taking this. I look forward to working with members, partners and stakeholders to strengthen connections and showcase Scotland's innovation and expertise on a global stage. My immediate priority will be to listen, learn and build strong relationships with the wider community to ensure ScotlandIS continues to support a thriving and ambitious technology sector," said Andrew Weir, Chief Executive Officer, ScotlandIS.

The Chair of the ScotlandIS board said the search had identified a candidate with experience across both industry and the public sector. That blend, the organisation said, is important at a time when technology policy and economic policy are increasingly intertwined.

"Andrew brings a wealth of experience spanning multiple sectors and a proven track record of delivering meaningful change. His understanding of both the digital economy and the public sector landscape makes him exceptionally well placed to lead ScotlandIS through its next chapter. At a time when technology is playing an increasingly critical role in driving economic growth and innovation, Andrew's ability to connect industry and government will be invaluable. We are delighted to welcome him to the organisation and are confident that his leadership will help strengthen Scotland's technology ecosystem," said Williams.