Transformation specialist joins Scotland’s tech trade body as new CEO 

A transformation specialist who has worked extensively in the IT industry has been appointed the new Chief Executive of Scotland’s tech trade body.

Jane Morrison-Ross, a former transformation director for outsourcing giant Capgemini, takes up the role of CEO as ScotlandIS as of mid-August where she will work alongside outgoing CEO Polly Purvis, who retires in October.

Morrison-Ross’s most recent position was CEO of the Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre, which is based at Lochmaddy on North Uist.

As part of that role, according to her LinkedIn profile, she led on the strategic development and vision for the organisation – helping to deliver economic regeneration through the creative economy – and introduced a number of innovative approaches including around ‘community wellbeing’ and a strategy to ‘reduce reliance on grant funding’. She describes herself online as a ‘focused, energetic and innovative CEO who leads by example’.

But the mainstay of her career thus far has been with Capgemini, in various different roles between 2005 and 2017, including as management consultant, acting transformation director and business development director.

A passionate and committed business woman, Morrison-Ross is a highly-experienced technology industry executive, a previous board member of ScotlandIS, with a strong track record of working in and with digital companies, in operations and consultancy.  She has held senior roles at Capgemini and was most recently CEO of the Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre.  

Frances Sneddon, Chair of ScotlandIS, said: “This is a brilliant appointment for ScotlandIS. Jane is not only a proven, innovative CEO but also a long-standing contributor to the growth of Scotland’s technology sector. Her understanding of organisational culture and rich experience in managing growth and transformation will be invaluable to our members.  I am really looking forward to working with her as we expand our membership services and activities to support our members in driving further impressive growth for the Scottish Economy through digital.”  

Jane Morrison-Ross said: “I’m thrilled to be taking on this role, working with the great team at ScotlandIS and all of our members. I’ve had connections with ScotlandIS from the very beginning and really understand how the organisation has grown since its inception and is now on the cusp of a new phase with the Data and Cyber Clusters. I have known Polly throughout this period and I am honoured to be taking over from her.

“It’s a hugely exciting time for the sector and I’m looking forward to helping ScotlandIS become one window to the digital technology economy across Scotland, from the highlands and islands to the south, continuing to build Scotland’s international reputation as an attractive destination for digital businesses.”

Polly Purvis, the outgoing CEO, received an OBE for services to the Scottish digital technologies industry, in 2017; the following year she won a lifetime achievement award at the Scottish Women in Technology Awards.

She added: “Jane is the perfect choice to lead ScotlandIS. She brings considerable drive and an ambition to build on our successes to date; she shares our values and will fit well with our team.  I look forward to seeing a new chapter unfold for the organisation under her leadership.”