ScotlandIS appoints new chair

ScotlandIS has announced that Dermot Murray of technology firm Inoapps is to be its new chair.  

He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked for over 30 years in the tech industry. Murray is expected to steer the cluster management organisation through what is expected to be a challenging year in the sector.  

As vice-president of technology at Inoapps, a global Oracle software partner with a core presence in Aberdeen and Linlithgow, he has been an integral part of the business for 14 years.

During that time is has grown from 20 to 500 employees and built out an international presence serving customers with a focus on enabling businesses to transform, optimise and innovate with the Cloud.

As chair of the board at ScotlandIS, he will oversee the organisation’s mission to develop digital skills in Scotland, enable start-ups to establish themselves and scale up, as well as align key stakeholders across the country.

Joining Murray will be two new members of the board. Roz Barrance, director of business development at Leidos and Maggie Morrison, board director at Hi55 Ventures, will add to the diverse range of experience at the head of the organisation.

Murray said: “I’m very proud to take on chair of ScotlandIS at a crucial time for tech in Scotland. Today, businesses big and small across wide-ranging industries fully appreciate the vital role that tech and data play in their businesses. ScotlandIS helps to facilitate relationships and lay the groundwork for Scotland’s digital transformation.

"I’ve been a member of ScotlandIS for many years and have felt the benefits of this brilliant organisation first-hand. Since my first introduction to ScotlandIS at their annual ScotSoft event, I have been impressed by the sense of community and close-knit, supportive network that they create in the Scottish tech scene.

“As we look ahead to another difficult year for business, it’s more important than ever that we protect this community and nurture the huge digital tech talent in Scotland.

“Scotland’s tech sector has a fantastic future – and promoting skills and supporting start-ups is central to achieving success. As a father and husband, with three daughters, I’ve long wanted to see more digital opportunities for all in education. I’m proud to play a role in making that happen and feel honoured to lead the brilliant work of ScotlandIS.”

Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS added: “I am delighted to welcome Dermot as our new chair and Maggie and Roz as our new board members, each of them brings valuable skills and experience which will help us drive forward and deliver our ambitions over the coming year.”