Following last week’s announcement that Professor Gary McEwan will be stepping down as CEO at the end of March next year, the Board of Directors is delighted to confirm that Rachel Ross has been appointed as his successor.
This carefully planned transition is part of Elevator’s long-term vision to ensure the organisation continues to grow, innovate, and thrive in its mission to support entrepreneurs across Scotland and beyond.
Rachel’s appointment reflects Elevator’s strong commitment to nurturing internal talent. Following a rigorous selection process, the Board is confident she is well-positioned to lead Elevator into its next chapter, continuing to shape and transform Scotland’s entrepreneurial future.
Rachel, Elevator’s CEO Designate, shares:
"I am honoured to step into this role at such an exciting time for Elevator. Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of a team that creates a profound and lasting impact in the communities we serve. As an SME business owner myself, I deeply understand how critical entrepreneurship is to Scotland’s economy. Supporting ideas, innovations, and ambitions - while helping SMEs seize growth opportunities - has never been more vital than it is now. I am privileged to be leading a team where impact lies at the heart of everything we do".
For more than 20 years, Elevator has been a cornerstone of Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This is not just a leadership change - it’s a significant milestone to build on the incredible legacy created by Gary and the entire team. Rachel’s extensive experience as a business owner, Non-Executive Director, and board member reflects her passion for working with entrepreneurs, helping them reach their full potential.
As Rachel steps into her new role, she will be closely supported by Andrew Burnett, as Deputy CEO. Andrew has played a vital role in Elevator’s success over many years. His wealth of experience and deep understanding of Scotland’s entrepreneurial landscape have been integral to the organisation’s achievements. The Board recognises Andrew’s significant contributions and is confident his continued leadership alongside Rachel will ensure a seamless transition and a strong future for Elevator.
We look forward to sharing more about this exciting leadership transition in the near future. Under Rachel’s guidance, Elevator will continue its mission with a strong foundation, clear vision, and unwavering commitment to entrepreneurial success.
Elevator.
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