Professor David Hillier announced as SDS Interim Chair
The Scottish Government has announced that Professor David Hillier has been appointed the new Interim Chair of SDS.
Prof Hillier is Associate Principal for Global Engagement and Executive Dean of Strathclyde Business School at the University of Strathclyde.
He has served on the Board of Skills Development Scotland since 2020. In 2022 he completed an organisational effectiveness review of SDS which helped inform development of the Transform 27 programme.
The same year, he also became Chair of the SDS Finance and Operational Performance Committee, giving him a detailed knowledge of how SDS works, alongside his strong experience in governance, financial stewardship, performance and risk.
His one-year appointment was confirmed by Minister for Tertiary Education Ben Macpherson, and runs from 1 October.
Prof Hillier said: “It’s an honour to be appointed as Interim Chair given the crucial work that SDS delivers for the people and businesses of Scotland.
“In my six years on the Board I’ve seen the effects of that work first hand, and I believe that everyone at SDS should be proud of the organisation’s strong track record of delivery.
“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues at SDS and alongside Scottish Government and our other stakeholders to build on that track record, including the development of our new strategic plan.”
Prof Hillier previously sat on the CBI Scotland Regional Council and the MCR Pathways National Advisory Board. He has won several industry awards, including the Institute of Directors Scotland Public Sector Director of the Year.
He succeeds Frank Mitchell, whose term as Chair of SDS ends on 30 September.