Missouri Partnership’s VP of Market Strategies Mark Sutherland has been appointed as a GlobalScot by the Rt. Hon. Nicola Sturgeon MSP, First Minister of Scotland.
In her letter of appointment, the First Minister commented that “As a GlobalScot, you will have the opportunity to directly support the growth of our most ambitious companies and your advice and guidance will be invaluable in helping the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise shape strategies and approaches for those industries and markets that are most important to Scotland’s future.”
Started by Scottish Enterprise in 2001, GlobalScot is a worldwide network of approximately 600 business leaders, entrepreneurs and executives, with a connection to Scotland, driven to helping Scottish businesses develop, expand and succeed in a competitive international market. Sutherland is the 198th in North America.
“I am delighted that the commitment which Mark has shown, over many years, to the promotion of Scotland is being recognized in this way,” Donnie Jack, Scotland’s senior diplomat in North and South America, said. “Mark is unstinting in his efforts to build links between Missouri and Scotland, be they through business to business or by showcasing our culture and heritage through the St Louis Scottish Games. Mark has proven beyond any doubt that he is a worthy recipient of this honor bestowed by the First Minister. I am sure that he will be an outstanding GlobalScot.”
The GlobalScot network works closely with Scottish Development International to assist Scottish companies.
“GlobalScot continues to make a significant contribution to Scotland’s international trade and investment ambitions and this is in no small part down to the caliber of this fantastic network,” Raymond McGovern, Director, Americas, Scottish Development International, said. “Mark’s appointment will ensure the health of the network and that its impact remains strong as we look ahead. I’m very optimistic about strengthening the links between Missouri and Scotland and indeed Mark’s role within this.”
“This is an incredible honor,” Sutherland said. “As everyone who knows me quickly realizes, I am passionate about Scotland, Britain and Missouri. As a GlobalScot, I look forward to continuing to work to support economic growth in Scotland, Britain and Missouri, and to further strengthen the special relationship that crosses over the Atlantic.”
For more than a decade, Sutherland has actively worked to build connections, both economic and cultural, between Missouri and Scotland. As a GlobalScot, Sutherland will assist Scottish companies evaluating the U.S. as a business location with advice related to marketing and doing business in the U.S.
“Mark is truly an advocate for building solid economic connections between Scotland and Missouri,” Steve Johnson, CEO of the Missouri Partnership, said. “He has been devoted to this effort for years, and we look forward to those efforts continuing as he serves as a GlobalScot, and also works to promote Missouri to businesses globally.”
In addition to his work with the Missouri Partnership promoting Missouri to companies around the world and assisting those companies as they enter Missouri, Sutherland serves on the board of the St. Louis Scottish Games and is founder of the EDIMO initiative that enables Scottish startups to enter the US market via Missouri at reduced risk.
Sutherland was born in Scotland, grew up in England, and immigrated to Missouri more than 25 years ago. He is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis.