CEO training programme set for Edinburgh

An executive-training organisation co-founded by businessman and former Scotland rugby captain David Sole is to run its first programme outside London in April with business leader Norman Murray set to share his expertise.

Norman Murray will share his expertise with the School for CEOs. Picture: Toby Williams

The School for CEOs said the course was aimed at individuals “with the ambition to become senior business leaders” to help ready them for success.

Co-founder Patrick Macdonald, whose previous roles include chief executive of John Menzies, said the training school was pleased to have the involvement of Murray, whose current positions include chairing distiller Edrington Group and Scottish Ballet, and is formerly chair of energy services group Petrofac and oil explorer Cairn Energy.

Murray said: “I am delighted to support the next generation of senior leaders at School for CEOs’ upcoming Runway programme.

“I look forward to joining the delegates for dinner where we will discuss the many challenges of leadership and, in particular, the importance of ethics as I chair Icas’ ethics board.”

The School for CEOs was established in 2011 after an informal conversation between Macdonald and Sole, flagging a gap in the market for training tailored for the skillset required of a chief executive.

Commenting on the expansion of its programme into Edinburgh, Sole said: “Our practical lessons are delivered by real-world practitioners. Delegates will benefit from extensive feedback on their readiness to step up. They will receive expert help as they create their personal development plan and follow-up coaching will help to ensure that the lessons learned are applied in their own business.”