EDINBURGH — Heriot-Watt University has been named Scotland’s leading institution for producing Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors, according to a new report analyzing millions of alumni career paths across the UK.
The study, conducted by financial services firm Novuna Business Cash Flow, examined over 10 million LinkedIn profiles tied to more than 120 UK universities. It found that 4.57% of Heriot-Watt alumni have gone on to occupy top leadership roles such as CEO or MD — the highest percentage in Scotland.
Practical, Enterprise-Focused Education
Much of the credit, according to the university, lies in its emphasis on enterprise-focused learning. Professor Angus Laing, Executive Dean of Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Business School, welcomed the findings.
“Our students don’t just learn business theory,” Laing said. “They gain the practical skills and mindset needed to lead in today’s complex global economy.”
Business and finance courses emerged as the most common academic backgrounds for Heriot-Watt graduates who later became executives. The university also credited its industry partnerships and real-world learning opportunities as key to cultivating entrepreneurial and leadership potential.
National Context: A Growing Appetite for Leadership
While Heriot-Watt led in Scotland, it ranked 20th overall in the UK. At the top of the national list was University of Cumbria, where 8.27% of graduates have taken the helm of businesses.
The data, Novuna says, reveal an evolving leadership pipeline in the UK — one no longer limited to elite universities or traditional degree tracks. New trends are reshaping the profile of tomorrow’s business leaders.
“This research highlights the importance of thinking beyond traditional paths,” said John Atkinson, Head of Commercial and Strategy at Novuna Business Cash Flow. “Whether someone’s future lies in founding a business or leading one, success is increasingly shaped by creativity, values, and ambition.”
Surprising Shifts: From Creative Degrees to Regional Leaders
The report also noted several emerging patterns:
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A rise in entrepreneurship among graduates with creative arts or design degrees, suggesting that innovation isn’t confined to business schools.
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A geographic shift in where business leaders are emerging, with leadership figures increasingly coming from regional universities outside of London or Oxbridge.
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Increased alignment between workplace values and educational ethos, especially in younger generations of CEOs.
These changes, Novuna suggests, reflect a broader transformation in the UK’s business and education landscape — one influenced by shifting industry needs, changing student expectations, and the growing influence of purpose-driven leadership.
Heriot-Watt’s Entrepreneurial Legacy
Founded in 1821, Heriot-Watt has long held a reputation for science, engineering, and business innovation. In recent years, it has doubled down on enterprise education, with its Edinburgh Business School and Enterprise Team helping students transition from academic environments into leadership pipelines.
The university also boasts active incubation programs, mentorship networks, and global business partnerships across sectors such as energy, fintech, and manufacturing.
With campuses in Scotland, Dubai, and Malaysia, Heriot-Watt offers international experience — a feature it says is vital in preparing graduates for leadership in today’s globalized markets.
“This recognition is a testament to Heriot-Watt’s long-standing commitment to applied learning and innovation,” said Professor Laing. “It’s not just about getting students into jobs — it’s about empowering them to lead.”
Wider Implications for Students and Institutions
The findings arrive just as students across the UK prepare for A-level exams and consider university options. For prospective applicants — and their families — the research offers a new metric for evaluating higher education: long-term career outcomes in executive leadership.
It also adds a new layer to the ongoing conversation about the role of universities in shaping economic leadership — especially in Scotland, where debates around skills gaps, graduate retention, and entrepreneurial support remain high on the political agenda.
For Heriot-Watt, the result reinforces its position not just as an academic institution, but as a launchpad for future CEOs.
