Chris joined SDS in 2012 and was appointed as Director of Regional Skills Planning and Sector Development in 2021. He leads the Regional Skills Planning, Sector Development and Evidence and Impact teams, who all play a central role in ensuring that the skills investment in Scotland is informed by a strong evidence base and that provision is aligned with the need of employers.
Chris has 25 years experience in economic development, labour market and skills policy. Prior to joining SDS he was Director of SLIMs – a labour market observatory – and worked for a number of UK and international consultancies.
A graduate of the University of Strathclyde, Chris has previously held Board member positions with the Economic Development Association of Scotland (EDAS) and the South of Scotland Economic Partnership, and is currently a member of the South of Scotland and Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnerships.