Chief Executive, Co-Operative Development Scotland

Sarah Deas Chief Executive, Co-operative Development Scotland

Sarah leads Co-operative Development Scotland, a subsidiary of Scottish Enterprise, which has the remit to support the growth of co-operative enterprises throughout Scotland. In addition, as Scottish Enterprise’s Director of Enterprise Projects, Sarah leads a number of other key initiatives.

Sarah’s professional background is in strategy, marketing and business development within international companies. She held senior management and board positions with Rexam plc, LinPac Plastics International, Fort Sterling, RBM Europa and Airport Advertising (Europe).

Since joining Scottish Enterprise, she has held a range of policy, strategy and operational roles. These include leading the Innovation Relay Centre Scotland, eBusiness services and High Growth Start-up support. She was also instrumental in initiating the ‘Companies of Scale’ service.

Outside work her interests are in family (husband and 2 daughters), kayaking, cycling, hill walking, skiing, riding, theatre and art. She is a director of the Scottish Youth Theatre and an Executive Coach.