Mairi currently leads the British Council’s portfolio of creative and social enterprise programmes, seeking to develop more inclusive and sustainable economies and societies through innovative, cross-sectoral approaches that draw on UK and international expertise in creative and social enterprise. DICE (Developing Inclusive and Creative Economies) is a new programme that aims to foster inclusive growth and progress on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), designed specifically to empower woman and girls, foster youth employment, address inequality and support people with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

Prior to that Mairi led the British Council’s Global Social Enterprise Programme across 30 countries. Delivered with the support of UK and international partners, the programme provides aspiring and existing social entrepreneurs with skills training, consultancy, and access to funding and investment opportunities. The programme also forges international networks, disseminates bests practice and supports policy leaders to create ecosystems in which social enterprise and social investment can thrive. 

Previously Mairi served as Head of Greater China for Scottish Development International (SDI), directing four regional economic development offices to secure trade and investment for Scotland. Earlier in her career she developed and managed GlobalScot – an internationally recognised business network of global influencers and CEOs with an affinity for Scotland. She holds a 1st class honours degree in Business Management and a PhD in Collaboration and Economic Development from the University Of Strathclyde Graduate School Of Business.