Let's say hello to...

Jamie, Deputy CEO

From volunteer to visionary.  Two decades of bold ideas.

Hello, I’m Jamie, Deputy CEO at Heriot-Watt Student Union. I first arrived in Edinburgh from Cumbria to start my studies at Heriot-Watt, though Scotland already felt like home. My mum’s side of the family is from here, so I grew up coming up for holidays and always loved the city.

My journey with the Union started when I began volunteering in 2001, helping with events and even supporting the website during my final year. After graduating, I thought I’d move on, but when the Union needed an Event Manager, I was offered the role. That stretched into nearly 20 years. What can I say? Time flies when you’re having fun!

Since then, my job has grown and evolved, and that’s the beauty of it, it’s always changing. As Deputy CEO, I oversee the behind-the-scenes stuff that keeps us running smoothly. From marketing strategy to operations and facilities. I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years, but the creative side of marketing is still my favourite. Back in the day, I built our first marketing strategy and I’m still proud of how that helped shape where we are today.

Though what keeps me here isn’t policies or strategy. It’s the people. The Union has had a big impact on my life, so my approach is to empower others while supporting their growth. The team has a huge impact, and I want everyone to feel valued and excited. For that reason, the Union’s value that resonates with me most is brave, it’s about pushing boundaries. A great example is Reloved, our second-hand clothing shop. The idea came to me while looking at an empty corner of our building. I thought, what if it was more? Sarah, our Office Manager, made it a reality, but that’s what I mean when I talk about bravery. Sometimes you just need to be bold enough to say, “Why not try?”

Outside of work, I unwind by playing the piano or reading a book. I don’t paint as much as I used to, but it’s something I love when I get the chance. And if you ever spot a quirky pair of socks around the Union, chances are, it’s me. I’ve got over 80 pairs. My rule? They must be fun.  Life’s too short for boring socks.