The Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference

Educated at Allan Glen's School, Glasgow. Upon leaving school in 1963 began a career in accountancy with Robb Ferguson & Company. Qualified as a chartered accountant in 1968.

Moved to ICFC, now 3i, until 1982 and joined the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1983. From 1985 to 1989 was Managing Director of Charterhouse Development Capital Ltd. Also held the posts of Chairman and CEO with Morgan Grenfell Private Equity, CEO of Morgan Grenfell Asset Management and was Vice Chairman of its successor, Deutsche Asset Management, between 2000 and 2002.  Held various positions as director of, MFI Furniture Group plc, Stakis plc (also Chairman from 1998 to 1999), the Bank of Scotland, Tip Europe plc and Network Rail.

Was a member of the Financial Services Authority from 1997 to 2000 and is a member of the Financial Reporting Council. As Chairman of the FRC Group on Audit Committees Combined Code Guidance was responsible for The Smith Report (2003).

Is a Past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museums of Scotland from 1993 until 2002.  Is also President of the British Association of Friends of Museums, a position held since 1995, and was a member (1988–1998) and Vice Chairman (1996–1998) of the Museums and Galleries Commission.

Currently Chairman of The Weir Group plc and Scottish and Southern Energy and a non-Executive Director of 3i Group plc, Standard Bank Group Limited, and Aegon UK plc.  Patron of the Scottish Community Foundation.

On 8^th February 2008, appointed as Chair of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games organising company.

On 25^th May 2012 appointed Chair of UK Green Investment Bank plc.