Sheryl Newman, CEO of Aberdeen-based digital transformation consultancy Appetite for Business, has been appointed to the newly formed Scottish Technology Council - a government-led initiative created to maximise the economic impact of Scotland’s fast-growing tech sector.
Newman joins a line-up of high-profile leaders including Jim Rowan, former CEO of Volvo and Dyson Group, and Dr Caroline Barelle, CEO of biotechnology firm Elasmogen, as well as figures from companies such as EY, Raspberry Pi, and Informed Solutions.
The Council, chaired by the Minister for Business and Employment, brings together experts from across technology, life sciences, AI, and academia to provide insight and advice on how Scotland can strengthen its tech economy and better support businesses to innovate, scale, and compete internationally.
Newman is the only Council member from Aberdeen and one of few representatives of the SME tech sector. She brings with her two decades of experience supporting organisations across the UK to embrace digital change through Microsoft technologies, AI adoption, and workplace capability building.
“It’s a privilege to join the Scottish Technology Council and represent the North-East at a time when digital innovation is central to Scotland’s economic and social future. Our region is home to incredible talent and ambition but we also face real challenges around access to funding, digital infrastructure, and attracting the skilled workforce we need to thrive. I’m committed to ensuring that the voices and needs of the North-East are part of shaping a truly inclusive and forward-thinking tech ecosystem for Scotland.”
While the tech sector already employs nearly 68,000 people across Scotland, recent research highlights growing concerns about a widening digital skills gap, limited access to scale-up capital, and persistent inequalities in digital access - particularly in rural and remote areas.
“This Council is an opportunity to make sure regions like the North-East aren’t left behind in the national conversation,” Newman added. “I’m looking forward to contributing ideas that support inclusive, practical progress - whether it’s ensuring SMEs can confidently adopt tools like Microsoft Copilot, or making digital skills more accessible at every level of the workforce.”
The Council held its first meeting this month and is expected to play a key role in shaping future Scottish Government policy around digital innovation and economic growth.