Today Gillian Docherty, Chief Executive Officer of The Data Lab, will receive an honorary degree in recognition for her achievements and leading role in Scotland’s IT industry. The honorary doctorate will be conferred upon her at Robert Gordon University‘s (RGU) graduation ceremony. Docherty, who has over 25 years’ experience working in the technology sector, is a prominent female role model within that field where sadly women are often under-represented.
She was recently named Digital Leader of the Year 2018 by DigiLeaders UK. Last year was a particularly successful year for her. Not only was she named CEO of the Year at the ScotlandIS Digital Technology Awards and delivered a TEDx talk – “2037 – Who’s leading? Who’s following?” – she was also listed as one of the top ten most influential data professionals in the UK.
Prior to her role leading The Data Lab, she held a range of senior leadership roles at IBM UK, including Leader for Software Business in Scotland, Systems and Technology Sales Leader, and Territory Leader for General Business Scotland. She is also on the board of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, a trustee at BeYonder Involve and an Industry Advisory for Previse.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Data Lab’s core mission around innovation and the development of new data science capabilities has led to support for a number of RGU researchers over the years, as both organisations are aligned in their goal of benefiting society and the economy.
Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of RGU, commented: “It is truly a pleasure to be able to recognise Gillian’s achievements with this honorary doctorate. Her career in technology absolutely speaks for itself and she is an excellent example for our young aspirational graduates.
“RGU has worked closely on a number of innovative projects with Gillian and her colleagues at The Data Lab and we are extremely proud to be able to honour her in this way.”