News

18 June 2026

The CyberScotland Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of Theresa Swayne, Head of Digital Economy at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), as its new Chair. Theresa succeeds Karen Meechan, former CEO of ScotlandIS, bringing a wealth of leadership experience in digital transformation, economic development and cyber resilience.

Theresa is widely recognised for her strategic leadership at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, where she has played a pivotal role in driving the growth of Scotland’s digital economy. In her current role, she has championed innovation, supported businesses to adopt emerging technologies and fostered collaboration across public and private sectors to strengthen regional and national digital capabilities.

As Chair of the CyberScotland Partnership, Theresa will lead a national collaboration of key organisations dedicated to making Scotland a safer, more resilient place to live and work online. The Partnership brings together expertise from government, academia, law enforcement, the third sector and industry to deliver Scotland’s cyber resilience ambitions.

Speaking about her appointment, Theresa said:

“I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of the CyberScotland Partnership. Highlands and Islands Enterprise is one of the partnership’s founding members so I am especially pleased to take on this role and help build on that strong foundation of collaboration. Cyber security affects everyone in Scotland. Our daily lives, businesses and public services increasingly rely on digital systems we can trust. As Scotland continues to embrace new opportunities through digital innovation and AI, it’s essential that cyber resilience keeps pace, ensuring people and organisations can adopt new technologies with confidence. I am looking forward to working with partners across the country to raise awareness, promote practical action and help ensure Scotland is a safe, secure and resilient place to live and work online.”

The CyberScotland Partnership plays a central role in coordinating activity across Scotland’s cyber ecosystem, including public awareness campaigns, skills development and support for organisations to strengthen their cyber security posture. Under Theresa’s leadership, the Partnership will continue to advance its strategic priorities, including widening participation in cyber careers, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and enhancing national resilience against evolving cyber threats.

Clare El Azebbi, Head of the National Cyber Resilience Unit, Scottish Government said:

“Theresa brings extensive leadership and collaboration, combined with deep expertise in digital and economic development. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the CyberScotland Partnership as it continues to deliver on Scotland’s vision to be a cyber resilient nation. Theresa’s appointment reflects the Partnership’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth, regional representation and strengthening Scotland’s position as a global leader in cyber resilience.”

ENDS