This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scottish University for Industry
31/07/2006
Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Allan Wilson, today announced the appointment of Damien Yeates to succeed Frank Pignatelli CBE as the chief executive of the Scottish University for Industry.
The Scottish University for Industry (SUfI), known to the public as learndirect scotland, was established by Scottish Ministers and launched its services in October 2000.
Damien Yeates is at present the chief executive of the Govan Initiative, a local economic development company responsible for regenerating the economy of the Greater Govan area of Glasgow, focusing on employability, education and training and support for the social economy of the area.
Among the many ground-breaking initiatives developed by the Govan Initiative over recent years has been the creation of the Hills Trust Academy, the first Cisco Community Networking Academy in Europe. As one of only eight centres in the UK to achieve Microsoft Regional Academy status it offers the Microsoft official curriculum alongside curriculum offerings within the Cisco Networking Academy programme.
Deputy Minister Allan Wilson said:
"I am delighted that Damien has accepted the post of chief executive of the Scottish University for Industry. His experience of social and economic regeneration and his impressive track record in tackling social exclusion and promoting skills and employability through technology, will be invaluable as SUfI moves to its next stage of development. I congratulate him and wish him well in what is an important and exciting position."
Welcoming the appointment, Billy Allan, chairman of SUfI added:
"Damien's extensive relationships and experience with the business community nationally and internationally combined with his strong commitment to, and success in, tackling social and economic exclusion give the board great confidence that he will maintain and develop SUfI's strong reputation"
Damien Yeates has been involved in economic development, regeneration and lifelong learning for the past fourteen years; has held marketing positions in Scandinavia and Germany; and worked in a pioneering high-tech design team in his native Ireland developing an innovative micro-hydro turbine.
Over the past decade, in partnership with key agencies and individuals, he has initiated a number of highly innovative and successful programmes to promote skills and lifelong learning, including the establishment of the Digital Media Academy, the Community Technology Academy Network and the Blended Learning of Construction Skills (BLOCS) programme.
Mr Yeates is a director of the Centre for Confidence Building and Well-being, a director of the Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum and a director of Realizations International Ltd. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies degree from Dublin City University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Strathclyde.
The core mission of the Scottish University for Industry is to support and encourage the development of a more competitive economy and a more inclusive society through education and training.
SUfI is an Executive NDPB with private limited company status.