Entrepreneur, business leader and author Mike Soutar to be appointed Chancellor of Abertay University

Entrepreneur, media executive, business leader and author Mike Soutar is to be appointed as the next Chancellor of Abertay University in his birthplace of Dundee. 

One of the UK's best-known entrepreneurs and a leading advocate for innovation and business growth, Mike will serve as the University's ceremonial head and ambassador, supporting strategic objectives aligned to his own values and expertise, including Abertay’s work to create opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Born in Dundee, Mike began his career with publisher DC Thomson before going on to lead some of the UK's most successful and influential media brands. He later co-founded Shortlist Media, the award-winning publishing company behind ShortList and Stylist, helping to build one of Britain's most successful modern media businesses.  

Today, he serves on the UK Government's Board of Trade, the board of V&A Dundee, and is widely recognised as one of Lord Sugar's trusted interviewers on BBC's The Apprentice.  

His latest book, Next Gen CEO, distils three decades of experience into practical lessons and frameworks for leading effectively in a fast-changing world. 

Mike's appointment reflects his longstanding commitment to Dundee and his belief in the power of education, innovation and entrepreneurship to transform lives and communities. 

As Chancellor, Mike will act as a figurehead for the University, preside over graduation ceremonies and help to promote and support Abertay’s engagement with its wide range of stakeholders across industry, academia and government. 

During a visit to Abertay, Mike learned more about the University's role as global leader in creative technology and video games and an anchor institution for Dundee across a wide range of sectors ranging from sport, engineering and mental health nursing through to cybersecurity, law and business.   

Professor Liz Bacon, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, said:

Mike is an outstanding business leader whose career demonstrates the power of creativity, determination and entrepreneurial thinking. His journey from Dundee to becoming one of the UK's most respected entrepreneurs mirrors many of the values that define Abertay today. We are a university that believes in opportunity, innovation and real-world impact, and Mike's experience and outlook make him an exceptional fit for our community. I am delighted to welcome him as Chancellor and look forward to working closely with him to champion Abertay, our students, our staff and our role in supporting the future prosperity of Dundee, Scotland and beyond.

Mike Soutar said:

I am incredibly proud to accept the role of Chancellor of Abertay University. Dundee is where my story began and the city continues to hold a special place in my heart. Throughout my career I have believed that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally distributed. That's why Abertay's commitment to widening access and helping people fulfil their potential resonates so strongly with me. What impressed me most about Abertay is that it is a university built for the real world. It is ambitious, innovative and highly connected to the industries and communities it serves. Whether it's pioneering work in computer games, cybersecurity, food innovation, sport science or supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, Abertay is making a real difference. I am honoured to become part of the Abertay family and look forward to supporting the University as it continues to grow its impact locally, nationally and internationally. I'm particularly excited to meet graduates, students and staff in the months and years ahead.

During the visit, Mike met senior leaders, toured Abertay's specialist facilities and learned more about the institution's strengths in areas including computer games education, creative technologies, food innovation and sport and exercise science. He also heard about Abertay's role in supporting Dundee's growing innovation ecosystem and its commitment to creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds. 

A long-standing champion of Dundee's economic and cultural development, Mike has continued to maintain strong links with the city throughout his career and has supported a range of initiatives promoting entrepreneurship, creativity and growth.

Mike will formally be installed as Chancellor at Abertay's winter graduation ceremonies on Friday 27 November, where he will succeed outgoing Chancellor Professor Alice Brown.