A former publishing executive has been appointed chief business advisor to the First Minister.
Ellis Watson has held senior positions at a number of companies including John Menzies, First Group, News Corporation, Syco and DC Thomson, where he was executive chairman of DC Thomson Media.
He stepped down from his role with the Dundee company which publishes The Courier in March 2021.
Prior to joining DC Thomson, Mr Watson was global CEO of Syco Entertainment where he managed Simon Cowell’s TV empire and record labels.
He described Cowell as “extremely sincere, high integrity and stupidly hard working”.
Now Mr Watson will work directly with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in an unpaid role.
He will assist in identifying the priorities of the business community and helping shape the government’s support and response.
The appointment comes less than a year since the publication of Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
It sets out how the Scottish Government will maximise Scotland’s economic potential over the next 10 years.
Ellis Watson an ‘outstanding business leader’
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Breaking down the barriers between businesses and government and sharing ideas about what works and what doesn’t will help the Scottish Government to continue to support growth and deliver long term economic success for Scotland.
“Businesses are currently contending with the ongoing impact of Brexit and Scotland’s removal from the European single market, the cost crisis, and the transition to net zero – all at the same time as we recover from the repercussions of the pandemic.”
Ms Sturgeon said the appointment of Mr Watson would open a “constant, direct dialogue between government and the private sector”.
That would allow the Scottish Government to listen to what matters to business people in Scotland, the First Minister said.
She added: “Ellis is an outstanding business leader with a successful track record in many high-profile companies with an international reach.
“His support will be invaluable in setting an agenda that listens to business and creates an environment in which they wish to invest and develop talent in Scotland.”
Focused on meeting challenges ahead
Mr Watson’s first break came as a young marketing director at The Sun and The News of the World.
He then moved to take charge of the new digital business, reporting to Rupert Murdoch.
After 10 years at News Corporation he became chief executive of Celador International, taking Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? to 105 countries and helping make it the most successful game show in history.
He said: “Scotland’s economic success has never been so dependent on the health of our businesses.
“The private sector sometimes feel government is disconnected from their needs.
“I’m determined to ensure we meet the challenges with a robust candour to reach our country’s commercial potential.”
He is the first of two business advisor roles to be appointed.
