‘ScotlandIS has been my entire career’ - CEO Meechan to step down after 22 years
“It feels like the right moment for my next adventure” – Karen Meechan
The head of Scotland’s digital technology trade body is stepping down after more than two decades of “stellar service” with the organisation and five years in the top role.
Karen Meechan will move on from her role as chief executive of ScotlandIS towards the end of May. To maintain continuity, the group’s chief operating officer, Nicola Taylor, will be acting chief executive from May 29 until a new leader is appointed.
Having held the position of chief executive since 2021, Meechan has steered ScotlandIS through various economic headwinds and is credited as being a “strong, influential voice” for its members and the wider tech sector north of the Border. Prior to her role as chief executive, she held the titles of head of operations from 2004 and chief operating officer in 2019.
Meechan said: “ScotlandIS has been my entire career and, without doubt, some of the best years of my life. From the people I’ve had the privilege to work with to our incredible members showcasing Scottish tech to the world, I’ll always look back on my time here with pride.
“But it feels like the right moment for my next adventure. The organisation has gone from strength to strength in recent years, driven by a fantastic team and hugely supportive board. I’m confident that under their watch ScotlandIS will continue to listen closely to the needs of its members and the wider industry, and that the new CEO will keep driving the change our sector deserves. With that, they will have my full support,” she added.
Recruitment for a new chief executive is due to commence in April and both internal and external candidates will be considered, the organisation confirmed.
Andrew Williams, chief executive at Apptrix.ai and chairman of the ScotlandIS board, said: “I know I speak for the entirety of ScotlandIS when I say we are very sad to see Karen stepping down.
“From the moment she joined the company, she has been a great asset. Her leadership and drive have been instrumental to our success and there’s no doubt her legacy will be felt for years to come. We wish her every success in her next role and know she will be extraordinary.
“But with change comes opportunity. The past few years have been economically challenging to say the least. Despite uncertainty, however, the tech industry continues to flourish - and ScotlandIS has played a key role in that.”
He added: “With so many initiatives and programmes underway, we have an exciting future ahead, and I fully believe that we will find a leader who can build on the strength of ScotlandIS’ current momentum and unlock even more opportunity.”
ScotlandIS works with its members and partners to support the wider digital transformation of business and society. The digital technologies industry in Scotland employs some 70,000 people, covering a wide range of skills and professional services from niche specialised companies to global players.
At £36,900, the average annual salary of a digital tech worker is about a quarter higher than the average of all workers in Scotland.
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