SRUC appoints new Board members

_{New SRUC Board members, from left to right: Jamie Baker, Simon Cunningham, Kes Juskuwiak, Oliver Mundell, Neil Robertson.}

Outgoing MSP Oliver Mundell is among five new non-executive directors to have been appointed to the SRUC Board.

Mr Mundell, who will stand down as MSP for Dumfriesshire at next year’s Scottish Parliament election, will join four other new Board members as SRUC builds on its journey as a degree-awarding power institution at the heart of the natural economy.

He said that his appointment “represents an exciting opportunity to continue to contribute and share the knowledge I’ve built up over the past decade as a parliamentarian”.

Also joining the SRUC Board in June are:

• Jamie Baker – Lead for Economic Development and Regeneration at East Lothian Council. Jamie has a deep understanding of Scotland’s rural and regional economies and the importance of community in economic development and regeneration. 
• Simon Cunningham – a chartered accountant with extensive experience in finance, change and risk management and who has served on a number of boards, including Revenue Scotland.
• Kes Juskuwiak – Director of Transformation at Scottish Water. Kes has a strong strategic, transformational change and operational background.
• Neil Robertson – A highly experienced vet with strong board experience who was recently Head of Operations at Benchmark Animal Health UK Ltd.

Meanwhile, solicitor Helen Howden, former Company Secretary at SRUC, has been appointed an independent external member on the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee.

Linda Hanna, Chair of the SRUC Board, said: “This is a critical time for SRUC as we continue to build on opportunities presented by gaining taught degree-awarding powers and address challenges, very much in keeping with those in the wider academic sector and industry. The calibre of applications was exceptional, and I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to apply. 

“As we navigate the road ahead, it is important the SRUC Board has the right mix and diversity of skills and experience to help do just that. I’m delighted the new Board members announced today bring a wealth of experience and expertise from a broad range of backgrounds as well as a strong passion to help achieve our ambitions for our students as well as the natural economy. I am very much looking forward to working with them.”

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new non-executive directors to the SRUC Board, where they will play an important role as our unique institution builds on the opportunities presented by taught degree-awarding powers.”

Additional quotes:

Oliver Mundell: “SRUC is at the heart of rural Scotland and plays a critical role in supporting our economy and providing the skills we need for the future. It has a fantastic story to tell and is driving scientific research and practical approaches at the forefront of international thinking.

“As I move on from frontline politics, joining the Board represents an exciting opportunity to continue to contribute and share the knowledge I’ve built up over the past decade as a parliamentarian.  I am keen to support this vital organisation to navigate what is a challenging time for the tertiary education sector and help staff, students and stakeholders to fully deliver on its potential.”

Neil Robertson: “I am excited about taking on this new role and to working with the other board members and the wider SRUC team. I look forward to utilising my career experience in the Veterinary profession, Aquaculture and Agriculture to help the SRUC board provide the necessary guidance for the continued successful development of the organisation “

Simon Cunningham: “I am genuinely excited to have been asked to join the SRUC Board at such a pivotal point in its history. While I expect my finance and more general business experience to help secure a firm foundation for a revitalised future, as a farmer’s son, a passion for Scotland’s rural environment is part of my DNA. The opportunities for SRUC to work with those committed to Scotland’s rural economy, and the aspirations of the organisation to realise those perhaps unique opportunities to build and grow a sustainable rural economy for Scotland, gives me great optimism for what we can achieve, working together.”

Jamie Baker: “I’m delighted to join SRUC’s Board at such an important time for Scotland’s rural and land-based sectors. I’m passionate about sustainable development and the role rural innovation can play in driving inclusive growth, supporting vibrant communities, and tackling the climate and nature emergency.

“SRUC’s focus on inclusion, innovation, sustainability, and skills really speaks to my own values, and I’m excited to contribute to its mission and support the next chapter in its growth.”

Kes Juskuwiak: “I’m honoured to join the Board and contribute to SRUC's continued success. Education and learning play a vital role in empowering individuals and strengthening communities, of which I am also part. I look forward to supporting SRUC’s long-term vision and connecting with all diverse aspects of the institution.”

Posted by SRUC on 21/05/2025