Gary Kent

After being recommended Glasgow Caledonian University by his guidance teacher, Gary Kent’s BA Accountancy degree has taken him to the position of Chief Administrative Officer of Peel Region in Ontario, Canada.

From working in the UK in the early part of his career, to being CAO of the third largest municipality in Canada with $50bn of assets and 6000 employees, we asked Gary about his time at GCU and its impact on his successful career.

Why did you choose to study at GCU?

“Growing up in the East End of Glasgow, attending GCU offered me new societal exposure while allowing me to live rent-free with my parents. Accountancy seemed like a good route to take and build a competency foundation that would create a platform for a successful career. My brother Brian and I were the first in our family to go on to higher education.”

What makes you most proud to be a GCU graduate?

“As a proud Glaswegian, I am thrilled to see GCU's growth and connection with global icons like Annie Lennox and Sir Alex Ferguson. Recently, when I visited the campus, I was impressed by the advancements and expansions across multiple programs and buildings. GCU is very much a modern university, enhancing and living up to the reputation of a world-class city like Glasgow. The teaching culture at GCU played a key role in nurturing my social conscience, and that's something I'm truly proud of."

How did your degree inform your career path?

“My degree was both general and in-depth, introducing me to fascinating subjects like economics. The foundation I received at GCU enabled me to adapt quickly to diverse environments and situations. GCU introduced me to the ACCA qualification, and through working hard, volunteering and active involvement on both sides of the Atlantic, I now sit on ACCA's Global Council, which sets strategy for the largest global accounting association.”

Finally, what is your advice to students thinking of following a similar career path?

“No two careers are identical. Focus on what you truly enjoy and pursue your values and passions. My education, values, and passion can all be found in strategic plans of organisations where I have spent my time. "Common Good" (GCU), "Force for Public Good" (ACCA) and "Building a Community for Life" (Local Government in Canada). I didn't consciously define this journey, but I now realise the common thread in my career."