New top team at The Open University in Scotland

Marie Hendry and Shona Littlejohn have been appointed as Depute Directors at The Open University in Scotland.

Marie will oversee External Engagement and Partnerships and Shona will take responsibility for Student Experience and Widening Access.

They join Susan Stewart, Director, and Kate Signorini, Depute Director for Strategy, Planning and Resources, in The OU in Scotland’s leadership team.

Marie was latterly Business Development Manager at the University of the West of Scotland, a post she has also held at the University of Edinburgh.

Prior to these positions, Marie worked for Edinburgh Napier University, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, and Grand Central Savings, a financial services charity.

Shona was Vice Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Student Experience and External Relations at Robert Gordon University for ten years. A graduate in Arts and Social Policy & Planning, she is a former Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise Tayside.

Shona was a North East College Scotland board member, and volunteered for Giraffe, a social enterprise for people facing barriers to employment in Perth and Kinross.

I am delighted to welcome Marie and Shona to The OU.

Their skills, experience and commitment to the mission and values of the University will allow us to build on the great work we already do, supporting organisations to develop their workforces and helping more people, regardless of their background, into higher education.

Susan Stewart
OU in Scotland Director

Marie Hendry, Depute Director (External Engagement and Partnerships), said:

“I’m delighted to join The Open University in Scotland at what is an exciting time for higher education and the University.
 
“The OU is at the forefront of making higher education accessible in Scotland through innovative work with colleges, schools, businesses, trade unions and charities.

“I’m really looking forward to developing our partnerships in these areas and exploring new opportunities with a range of organisations including other universities and the Scottish Government.”

Shona Littlejohn, Depute Director (Student Experience and Widening Access), said:

“The Open University is an organisation I’ve long admired for the positive impact it has on people and society and I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the team.

“I’m excited by the opportunities we have to further improve the student experience and widen access, and my immediate priority is to engage with students, colleagues and relevant external organisations to hear what’s important to them.”

The new appointments follow the retirement of Lucy Macleod and Dr Martha Caddell’s move to a role at Edinburgh Napier University.

Pictured above right, left to right, are: Kate Signorini, Shona Littlejohn, Susan Stewart, Marie Hendry