Press Release

The Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) has elected Shepherd and Wedderburn Partner Joanna Boag-Thomson as its Chair.

Joanna, a media and technology specialist, was first appointed to the SCDI Board in 2019 and was elected Vice Chair the following year. An acknowledged expert in intellectual property, Joanna’s key areas of expertise are technology transfer, collaborations and brand exploitation. Joanna advises clients in a variety of sectors including food and drink, life sciences, clean-tech and the creative industries.

The SCDI Board draws its members from across the Scottish economy, spanning the private, public and social economy sectors. Elected Board members also join the organisation’s Policy Committee, advising on policy priorities. Joanna’s appointment follows the publication earlier this year of the SCDI’s 2030 economic blueprint, Making a Good Living. The report, supported by Shepherd and Wedderburn, made 12 recommendations to address clean growth, innovation, economic opportunities and social inequalities.

Founded in 1931 as the Scottish Development Council, the SCDI is a non-political, not-for-profit independent membership network representing a cross-section of the private, public and social economy sectors that seeks to engage Scotland and influence government and key stakeholders to ensure sustainable inclusive economic growth and flourishing communities.

Commenting on her election as Chair, Joanna said: “I am very proud to be given this opportunity to contribute to the development of Scotland’s economy and to work closely with the excellent team at SCDI to make a real difference.”

Sara Thiam, SCDI’s Chief Executive, said: “In taking on the Chair of SCDI in our 90th year Joanna joins a long line of distinguished business leaders, who recognise that a prosperous economy that works for all requires the public, private and third sectors to unite behind a shared vision and goals for Scotland. She takes the helm at pivotal time for the Scottish economy, when difficult decisions need to be made about the country we want to be.

“The parallels between today and the great depression of 1930s, which the Scottish Development Council was set up to address, are striking. Joanna brings a fantastic understanding of the strengths on which Scotland needs to build to continue to play a role in the global economy, and solid experience of corporate and civic Scotland. We’re delighted she has taken on the role at a time when a shared platform for action has never been more important.”