An Edinburgh software company has appointed a head of Scotland as part of a series of strategic hires.
Darren Dalrymple, a self-described “high-achieving technology professional” has stepped into the role at technology consultancy xDesign.
The move comes as the company looks to build on its reputation as the “fastest growing tech consultancy in Scotland” after a year of record growth.
It also plans to open an office in Glasgow next summer.
Joining xDesign from digital transformation organisation Infinity Works, Dalrymple will be responsible for bolstering the company’s presence in Scotland.
The role will involve forging partnerships with local industries, communities, and universities to “create a lasting legacy of opportunities for future generations within Scotland.”
In addition, he will be focused on bringing xDesign’s people-first proposition to its existing client base in Scotland and working to establish the company within new locations and sectors in the region – building on its experience in the financial services, leisure & hospitality and edtech sectors.
The Edinburgh-headquartered company has grown ten-fold since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, from 40 employees in 2020 to 400 today, after experiencing record growth in 2022.
Dalrymple said: “I was attracted to xDesign by its people-first culture and its reputation for delivering quality digital products for high profile, household names.
“The passion and energy generated among its teams is infectious and you can’t help but get excited for what the rest of 2023 has in store.
“There is so much potential here in Scotland; it’s home to a thriving tech scene and a huge pool of talent too. As an organisation, we’re perfectly positioned to become a strategic partner to some of the most ambitious and innovative companies that operate here in Scotland.
“As a result, I’m looking forward to supporting the company, and its clients, to explore new growth possibilities, reach their goals quicker, whilst playing a part in propelling Scotland forward as a truly global tech destination.”
Neil Lockwood, chief client officer at xDesign, said: “Darren epitomises everything it means to be an xDesigner – he’s passionate, talented, and ambitious, with a vision to steer xDesign, and Scotland’s tech scene on to greater things. He comes with significant experience of the regional tech scene and is incredibly well-connected having held senior leadership positions at Infinity Works and Net Talent previously.
“Working closely with our clients to understand their challenges, needs and untapped potential will be the cornerstone of Darren’s role.
“As head of Scotland, he’ll also collaborate with clients to drive forward their digital capabilities, deliver great products and achieve common goals at pace.”