Important Announcement from Elevator

Elevator is preparing for an exciting new chapter as we announce that Professor Gary McEwan has chosen to step down as CEO at the end of March next year. While stepping back from day-to-day leadership, Gary will remain connected to the organisation in an advisory role, continuing to support key projects and ensuring a smooth transition.

Gary has led Elevator through an incredible 20-year journey, transforming the organisation from a regional player in Aberdeen into one of Scotland’s most impactful and innovative business support providers. During this time, Elevator has supported over 75,000 entrepreneurs and SMEs, delivering hundreds of programmes that have fostered start-ups, scaled growing businesses, and enriched communities across the country.

Reflecting on his tenure, Gary said:

“It’s been 20 wonderful years, and I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it. The changes in our sector have been immense, and we’ve always had to find new ways to adapt and respond. I’m incredibly proud of what Elevator has achieved, and I pay full tribute to the incredible team who have made it all possible. The position that Elevator holds in the Scottish ecosystem is ideal for addressing the challenges ahead. Business growth is now more important than ever, and the experience and knowledge within Elevator make the future incredibly bright. Under its new leadership, I know Elevator will go from strength to strength.”

Elevator’s evolution under Gary’s leadership has been marked by several key milestones:

• Entrepreneurial Impact: From start-up support to scaling businesses, Elevator’s work has driven innovation, created jobs, and fuelled local economies. Over the past two decades, Elevator has supported over 75,000 entrepreneurs and SMEs, contributing to the growth of countless businesses and the enrichment of communities across Scotland.
• Centres for Entrepreneurship: The creation of entrepreneurial hubs in Aberdeen and Dundee has been transformational. A particularly proud milestone has been the success of the University of Dundee’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, developed in partnership with Elevator. This Centre has been instrumental in fostering entrepreneurial talent, culminating in the University recently being crowned?Outstanding Entrepreneurial University of the Year at the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards.
• Commitment to Innovation: Elevator’s ability to adapt to changing landscapes has been a hallmark of its success, consistently seeking new ways to support businesses in achieving their goals. This commitment to innovation has been central to Elevator’s journey and remains a key pillar of its approach as it moves forward.
• Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: Recognising that today’s young people are the leaders of tomorrow, Elevator established The Elevator Foundation in 2022. As a registered charity, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing the futures of Scotland’s young people aged 18–30 through grant funding, mentoring, and business support. This initiative reflects Elevator’s deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial talent, ensuring a brighter future for Scotland’s business landscape.

While Gary’s leadership has been integral to this success, Elevator’s strength has always been its collective effort - built on the passion, expertise, and commitment of its team. As we enter this new phase, we are confident in the resilience of our organisation and its ability to continue delivering impactful results for the businesses and communities we serve.

We’re excited to share more about the leadership transition in the coming weeks and months. The incoming leadership will inherit a strong foundation, a clear mission, and a team dedicated to driving entrepreneurial success.

This moment is not just a farewell - it’s a celebration of what’s been achieved and an exciting opportunity to embrace the future. We thank Gary for his extraordinary leadership and look forward to the next chapter in Elevator’s story. Together, we will continue to empower Scotland’s entrepreneurs, champion innovation, and transform futures.

Elevator.