6 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish firm hires ‘seasoned international headhunter'
Livingston James said it has hired Dan MacNeill, a 'seasoned international headhunter with a background in electronics and deep tech', who joins as director to lead the firm's expansion in technology and advanced industry, both in Scotland and internationally.
The firm's first half performance was 'significantly ahead of forecast', with record-breaking first quarter net fee income, which was up 21% year-on-year, continuing into the second quarter.
Livingston James NFI is up 26% year on year for the first half of 2025.
Mr MacNeill joins Livingston James having spent a successful period working for a London-based firm, where he worked with VC and PE-backed businesses on senior appointments across semiconductors, photonics, quantum, AI, and clean tech.
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Mr MacNeill, who will be based at the firm's Edinburgh office, said: 'Scotland is undergoing a quiet tech revolution. From Glasgow's semiconductor cluster to breakthroughs in space, quantum, and AI, there's real momentum – but scaling innovation requires leadership.
'Livingston James's extensive contacts and partnerships throughout the UK and overseas provide the perfect platform to connect world-class executive talent with Scotland's most ambitious companies, and to help those companies tell their story on the global stage.'
Alistair Shaw, director at Livingston James, said: 'We're seeing rising demand from businesses developing cutting-edge technologies, and from Scottish firms expanding overseas. Dan brings deep knowledge of global tech markets and a sharp understanding of what it takes to scale. He'll be central to our continued growth in deep tech and industry.
'Every leadership brief we work on is touched by technology. From CMOs to CEOs, boards are asking how digital, AI, and innovation can drive performance. Dan's appointment signals our belief in Scotland's tech future – and our commitment to helping clients stay ahead of it.'
Livingston James has also strengthened its research function with the appointment of Lauren Crichton, a University of St Andrews graduate with an MSc from the University of Glasgow. Her expertise in market mapping and data-led insight enhances the firm's commitment to robust, evidence-based search.
