Meet the Team
KAREN WOOD MBA, DIRECTOR OF ENTERPRISE
Karen works within The University of Edinburgh’s £45 million Bayes Centre, a world leading centre of DeepTech, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Data Science, and one of five Data Driven Innovation hubs supported by the £1.3 bn Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal. Karen’s focus is on Strategy, Enterprise, Entrepreneurship, Investment and Powerful Partnerships, specifically for the Investor Readiness Programme, EIE.
DANNY HELSON MBA, HEAD OF EIE PROGRAMME DELIVERY AND INVESTOR RELATIONS
Tel. +44 (0)131 650 4427 Mob. +44 (0)7984 035399
Danny was a founding member of the EIE Investor Readiness Programme at its inception in 2008, a Programme which has since supported more than 500 companies, who have raised more than $1 billion investment. Initially delivered by Informatics Ventures, EIE now has its home in The Bayes Centre, the University of Edinburgh’s Innovation Hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Prior to this, Danny was the Commercial Executive for the Edinburgh-Stanford Link, helping companies in Scotland’s less affluent areas access world-class research and strategic R&D expertise.
RONNIE JOHNSTON, EIE PROJECT MANAGER
Tel. +44 (0)131 650 9979
Ronnie joined the Bayes Centre in Jan 2021 as Events Manager and led on building the Events Programme and Events strategy for the Bayes Centre, before moving to a specialised role as Project Manager in the EIE Team. Having over 23 years of conference & events project management experience, and prior to joining the Commercialisation Team at the School of Informatics, in 2009, Ronnie ran her own company Rj Events, where she delivered events across the UK for such clients as LGC, Young Company Finance, Interface- Connection for Business, EPIS (Edinburgh Pre-Incubator Scheme) and Business Forum Scotland Ltd. Previously Ronnie was PA to the Director of Commercialisation within TRS (Technology & Research Services) at Heriot-Watt University and played a pivotal role in the administration of the commercialisation strategy. Ronnie was also a founder and driving force behind the company Innovation Event Management Ltd and held an essential role in the NHS.
TOM MORTIMER, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Tom joined the Bayes Centre in 2021 and leads the Marketing and Communications team for the Bayes Centre and EIE. He has over 15 years marketing, operations and events experience, working in positions across central government, the third sector, the technology sector and latterly at the University of Edinburgh. Before joining the Bayes Centre, he worked at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, providing expertise in international recruitment, as well as marketing three commercial hospitals and leading on events that included Royal visits, conferences and the launch of new areas of the University.
STACEY JOHNSTONE, EVENTS MANAGER
Stacey joined the Bayes Centre in 2019 and as the Events Manager, currently leads on building the Centres Events programme and strategy. Stacey has previously worked in roles in Marketing, Communications and Engagement at the Bayes Centre over the last three years and has worked in similar roles at the University of Edinburgh for over nine years. Prior to this she has extensive experience in events, working as a brand ambassador; supervising and coordinating various brand campaigns for international brands such as Diageo, Unilever and Apple.
JOANNA CLARKE, MSc, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING OFFICER
Joining the University of Edinburgh’s, Bayes Centre, in January 2020, Joanna works with colleagues and senior stakeholders providing leadership and management of the external facing Bayes and EIE programme website, while also managing the social media channel/s and printed documentation. She provides technical leadership in the build and design of Bayes Centre and EIE content. She works with senior colleagues, providing expert communications, and marketing support on the portfolio of projects and activities being coordinated as part of the Bayes Centre strategy.
LARISSA HO, MFA, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING OFFICER
Larissa provides writing, content creation, and social media marketing support for both the Bayes Centre and the EIE programme. Prior to joining the team, Larissa worked in marketing and communications in several universities across Canada. Her main objective is to help elevate the profiles of the companies in the current cohort and alumni of the EIE programme through storytelling.
REBECCA WEATHERHEAD, MSc, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING ADMINISTRATOR
Joining the Bayes Centre in 2021 as a Communications and Marketing Administrator, Rebecca is responsible for the maintenance and creation of supporting communications, marketing and engagement materials and website maintenance. She has over 6 years of experience working within the third sector. Previously, she spent 6 years at National Mining Museum Scotland where she was involved in assisting with developing the brochure advertising the museum’s venue hire rooms and packages, and PR and marketing of the first youth-led exhibition put on at the museum.
CAIRN ROBERTSON, EVENTS ADMINISTRATOR
Cairn joined the Bayes Centre team in 2021. As Events Administrator, Cairn provides guidance and assistance to anyone who wishes to host an event within the Bayes Centre and supports the planning and running of EIE. He assists in all areas of event organisation and assists the Event Manager in all administrative tasks.
Prior to joining the Bayes team, he completed a BA/Hons in International Festival & Event Management at Edinburgh Napier University. During his time at University he worked as part of the events team at National Museums Scotland, and as an evening events assistant at the Scottish Parliament.
SIOBHAN GILLILAND, EVENTS ADMINISTRATOR
Siobhan has worked with the University of Edinburgh since 2014 and is now Events Administrator for the Bayes Centre.
She is one of the main points of contact when it comes to holding events at Bayes, assisting the Events Manager where possible and also helps to organise the Bayes annual conference, EIE.
Before Siobhan joined the Bayes team, she worked at Senior Secretary for the School of Informatics, as well as client liaison roles within the financial services and hospitality industries.