Gillian Docherty oversees the Innovation & Industry Engagement, Research & Knowledge Exchange Services, Campus Services and Marketing & Development directorates at the University.
As a member of the University’s Executive Team, she works across the institution to drive forward Strathclyde’s sector-leading activities with industry and to support Scotland’s and the wider UK’s opportunities to build economic and social value.
Gillian said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. Over the course of my career, I have had the pleasure of working with many talented individuals who have helped me to learn and grow professionally. To receive a CBE is a humbling and proud moment. It’s a testament to the amazing teams I’ve worked with and the innovation we continue to champion."
Gillian is also Chair of CodeBase, a tech ecosystem support organisation that has supported over 500 startups and scaleups, who have collectively raised over £4 billion. CodeBase promotes collaboration in tech innovation, by working with startups, scaleups, corporates, governments, academia and the third sector.
Prior to joining the University in 2022, Gillian was the Chief Executive of The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence with a mission to help Scotland maximise value from data and lead the world to a data-powered future.
She was appointed an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2019 for Services to Information Technology and Business and in 2021 was appointed Chair of Scotland’s AI Alliance, created to drive forward the recommendations in the AI Strategy for Scotland.
Formerly of IBM, Gillian is a TED speaker and was named Digital Leader 2018 for the UK. She received an Outstanding Achievement Award at Scotland’s Women in Technology Awards in 2019.
Gillian was named CEO of the year at the Digital Technology Awards 2017 and was also in the UK’s top ten most influential people in data according to DataIQ.
A former President of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Gillian is also a trustee of Bothwell Futures Charity, and an industry advisor to several startups.
Gillian has a degree in Computing Science from the University of Glasgow, an Honorary Doctorate from Robert Gordon University and is married with a daughter.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice Chancellor of Strathclyde, said: “This recognition for Gillian is hugely deserved. She is a fantastic colleague, a valued member of our executive leadership team at Strathclyde and she plays a leading role in driving the University’s sector-leading approach to collaboration and partnership with government, industry and the third sector. The entire University staff will join me in congratulating Gillian on this wonderful recognition of her achievements."