NESCol strengthens executive team with key appointment

February 6, 2023

North East Scotland College has appointed Stuart Thompson as Vice Principal Finance and Resources.

The vastly experienced sector specialist will take up his new post in May.

Mr Thompson will join NESCol from City of Glasgow College, where he currently serves as Vice Principal Corporate Services. He has worked in the college sector for more than 30 years, after first qualifying and practising as a chartered accountant.

At NESCol he will lead a range of key functions. The remit includes finance and procurement, estates, environmental sustainability, student access and inclusion, IT and technical services as well as health, safety and security.

Mr Thompson said: “I am looking forward to building on the very strong foundations that are in place at NESCol.

“It is a time of positive change in the North East economy and there is rapid growth in areas including energy transition, life sciences and tourism. That brings great opportunity for the College in its role as an anchor institution in the region and it is essential we embrace that by continuing to innovate and evolve.”

His responsibilities at City of Glasgow College have included leading during mergers, delivering digital transformation and new campuses.  In tandem,  Mr Thompson has also played a leading role in the wider Scottish college sector as chair of the finance network and as a member of SFC groups, national bargaining and reclassification during a period of significant change.

Neil Cowie, Principal and Chief Executive of NESCol, said: “The appointment of Stuart underlines our ambition for NESCol to become Scotland’s best performing college. It is a key appointment of a high calibre professional at a crucial time for the College and our sector.

“Stuart’s knowledge and experience will help to shape our strategic approach and to deliver on behalf of the students and regional partners who are at the heart of the vision for a bright, vibrant future. We are delighted to welcome Stuart to NESCol and value the contribution he will make.”