Tell us about your background

I grew up in Glasgow and attended Our Lady and St Francis Secondary School near Glasgow Green. I was voted President and completed my sixth year in the very final year, and then the school closed!

Why did you choose Strathclyde?

I worked in a shoe shop at the weekends whilst at school and then at Asda a couple of nights a week and I really enjoyed being in retail, so I decided attending the Business School at Strathclyde would allow me to explore and understand the world of business.  

Where are you now? 

The Graduate scheme with Asda took me away from Scotland and around various locations in England, ending up in North Yorkshire, close enough to be able to travel back to Glasgow frequently. I then moved on from Asda to Greggs, so I'm now based in Newcastle. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I’ve got too many to name. The highlights are always when I’m working with great people who understand the value of listening to our teams - ensuring we deliver the right solutions to maximise our opportunities for growth. Being the CEO at Greggs is an absolute privilege. 

You've held senior roles at some of the UK's biggest brands. What are your tips for progressing within a large organisation?  

Whilst it is good to have a future plan, the most important thing to focus on is to excel in the job you have been given to do – that’s what people will notice. Don’t assume people know you are ambitious, tell them and ask for their support, but stay focused on delivering the absolute best results you can in your current role.

Finally, be brave and take opportunities – you’ll never know 'if you can' unless you try.