University Court welcomes distinguished new members
GCU’s governing body, the University Court, will welcome five new members in the coming months.
Barbara Allison CBE, Andrew Craig, Cara Chambers and Vida Rudkin will join Court on 1 June, with Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE joining on 1 August.
Barbara Allison CBE is a former Director of Communications, Ministerial Support and Facilities at the Scottish Government. She has previously worked for the Scottish Prison Service and is a qualified chartered accountant who has served on the board of directors for a host of charities, including Scottish Ballet.
Business builder, growth, and development specialist, Andrew Craig will bring three decades of experience in investing in and supporting organisations across the UK to the role. Andrew co-founded Maven Capital Partners UK LLP and is an early-stage angel investor and business mentor to fledgling businesses across the UK.
Chief Marketing Officer at premium drinks manufacturer C & C, Cara Chambers has more than three decades’ experience shaping international brands across the food and beverages industry. Cara is a qualified coach, mentor and Fellow of the Marketing Society. She is passionate about developing young leaders, as well as helping women balance leadership roles with family lives.
Vida Rudkin brings 30 years’ experience in global financial services and consulting as well as expertise in risk stewardship, regulatory governance, workforce strategy and business transformation to the role. Vida is a former Global Operations Chief Operating Officer at Morgan Stanley and has been a Non-Executive Director at Scottish Financial Enterprise.
They will be joined in August by Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE, an award-winning entrepreneur, diplomatic convener and civic leader. Dr Thompson's 40-year career spans enterprise, international trade and women's leadership. Founder of the WinTrade Global Women in Business Network, which supports enterprising women of African and Caribbean heritage, Dr Thompson is a co-founder of the FLAIR (First Ladies of Africa Impact & Resilience) Summit and Choice FM, the UK's first Black-owned radio station.
Welcoming the new governors, the University’s Chair of Court Yvette Hopkins said: “The Court welcomes these talented leaders, thought-partners, critical thinkers, and teammates to our diverse and committed Court. Their wealth of experience, expertise and innovation coupled with their commitment to our people and our future will help us achieve Glasgow Caledonian University's ambitious plans.”