Roy Gardner is the Depute Principal & Chief Operating Officer at City of Glasgow College, Scotland’s largest college. Established in September 2010 from the pioneering three-way merger of Glasgow’s city centre specialist colleges, Central College Glasgow, Glasgow College of Nautical Studies and Glasgow Metropolitan College, this College is a powerhouse for skills from Access level through to Masters covering over 1200 courses.
Supporting and deputising for the Principal, he is also responsible for all operations across both campuses, ensuring that the College continues to deliver excellence in education, be an inspirational place of learning, and drive further innovation across Team City. His extensive experience, deep institutional knowledge and external partnerships helps drive forward the Colleges Purpose, Way and Values.
Prior to coming into education in 2003, he had a successful career in the private sector where he spent over 8 years in the Advertising & PR Industry. Working in both Glasgow and Edinburgh agencies, he was on the client servicing side, planning and implementing marketing and promotional campaigns for the public and private sectors.
Moving into education was a deliberate career choice as he had worked with many educational institutions during his time as an Account Manager in industry. Initially taking up a part time teaching post, he quickly moved into management taking up the full-time post of Marketing & Business Development Manager. He has since held various managerial posts within the college becoming a permanent member of the Senior Management Team in 2008.
Internationally, he has extensive experience of working with partners in Government and Private sectors and countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Sub-Continent, South East Asia and the USA. His focus is now building the Colleges Innovation & Applied Research activity in line with the overall strategic plan.
As well as a champion of lifetime learning, he is firmly committed to the economic and social development of Glasgow, Roy serves on numerous groups and committees across Glasgow for the Glasgow Economic Leadership forum, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, City Centre Strategy partnership and the Glasgow Regional STEM Hub Group.
