CEIS Group Announces Appointment of Simon Smith as Executive Director
The CEIS Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Smith as Executive Director, effective 1st April 2025. This strategic appointment marks the next chapter for CEIS as we continue our mission of building a more inclusive economy across Scotland.
Simon, who has served as Chair of the CEIS Group since 2023, brings valuable leadership experience and a deep understanding of the organisation to this new role.
As Executive Director, Simon will work closely with the Senior Management Team to focus on three key strategic priorities:
- Strengthening engagement with key partners across Scotland’s social enterprise ecosystem
- Identifying new opportunities for mission-aligned income generation
- Building CEIS’s capabilities and strengthening our ability to support the inclusive economy and growth
Speaking about his appointment, Simon Smith said:
“I am delighted to play a role in shaping CEIS’s future. For over 40 years, we have championed the growth of social enterprises nationwide, provided finance for businesses and start-ups, and helped people move into work. Our work is vital and needed. Working collaboratively, we can show how Scotland can create an inclusive economy, build community wealth, and develop a skills pipeline to meet the needs of industry and the innovation economy.”
Following Simon’s appointment as Executive Director, Vice-Chair Matthew Baqueriza-Jackson has been elected as the new Chair of the CEIS Group Board, ensuring continued strong governance for the organisation and commented:
“With Simon’s appointment, the CEIS Group reaffirms its core mission of making Scotland a better place to live and work with a more inclusive economy. His leadership will help us expand our impact by supporting social enterprises, driving social innovation, promoting community wealth building, and extending our local, regional and international influence.”
Simon Smith Biography
Simon has spent his career dedicated to social, economic and physical regeneration.
He has held leadership roles in global research and design agencies and led programmes across national governments, charities, and the private sector. He has worked with significant clients such as the Gates Foundation, the NHS, the Home Office, and the International Rescue Committee.
Before joining CEIS, he was the Head of Regional Development for the UK innovation agency Connected Places Catapult. There, he led projects to ensure communities could benefit from and participate in a more inclusive innovation economy.
