Scottish executive search firm Livingston James has strengthened its senior team with a key appointment as it looks to capitalise on a record first half of the year and growing demand from Scotland’s deep tech and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Dan MacNeill, a seasoned international head-hunter with a background in electronics and deep tech, joins as Director to lead Livingston James’ expansion in technology and advanced industry, both in Scotland and internationally.
The firm’s H1 2025 performance was significantly ahead of forecast, with record-breaking Q1 net fee income – which was up 21% year-on-year – continuing into the second quarter. Livingston James NFI is up 26% YOY for the first half of 2025.
MacNeill joins Livingston James having spent a successful period working for a London-based firm, where he worked with VC and PE-backed businesses on senior appointments across semiconductors, photonics, quantum, AI, and clean tech. At Livingston James, he will predominantly support Scottish-headquartered companies scaling into overseas markets, while also helping global tech firms establish a presence in Scotland.
MacNeill, who will be based from the firm’s Edinburgh office, said: “Scotland is undergoing a quiet tech revolution. From Glasgow’s semiconductor cluster to breakthroughs in space, quantum, and AI, there’s real momentum – but scaling innovation requires leadership.
“Livingston James’s extensive contacts and partnerships throughout the UK and overseas provide the perfect platform to connect world-class executive talent with Scotland’s most ambitious companies, and to help those companies tell their story on the global stage.”
MacNeill’s appointment reflects the growing international relevance of Scotland’s tech ecosystem and Livingston James’ increasing involvement in cross-border executive search. The firm is seeing rising demand for senior hires in enterprise software, space, industrials, and scale-up growth, with clients ranging from PE and VC-backed companies entering new markets to international businesses investing in Scottish talent.
Looking ahead, Livingston James anticipates continued growth across its core sectors of private equity, industry, and innovation, with further expansion into the North of England under consideration.
Alistair Shaw, Director at Livingston James, said: “We’re seeing rising demand from businesses developing cutting-edge technologies, and from Scottish firms expanding overseas. Dan brings deep knowledge of global tech markets and a sharp understanding of what it takes to scale. He’ll be central to our continued growth in deep tech and industry.
“Every leadership brief we work on is touched by technology. From CMOs to CEOs, boards are asking how digital, AI, and innovation can drive performance. Dan’s appointment signals our belief in Scotland’s tech future – and our commitment to helping clients stay ahead of it.”
The firm is also seeing a return of global Scottish talent, with professionals relocating from markets such as the US and Singapore in search of more balanced working cultures. Meanwhile, international search activity continues to grow, with recent mandates delivered in Germany, the Benelux region, and North America.
MacNeill added: “It’s a global market for leadership talent – but Scotland has a compelling proposition: world-class research, ambitious companies, and a quality of life that’s increasingly attractive.
“Our role is to help clients tell that story, and to find leaders who can turn innovation into impact.”
Livingston James has also strengthened its research function with the appointment of Lauren Crichton, a University of St Andrews graduate with an MSc from the University of Glasgow. Her expertise in market mapping and data-led insight enhances the firm’s commitment to robust, evidence-based search.
Shaw added: “Extensive research is fundamental to what we do, and this appointment will help us double down on new approaches – particularly involving technology – that will strengthen our ability to identify the strongest candidates and opportunities. Clients rightly expect us to leave no stone unturned. Lauren brings the precision and drive we need to continue delivering on that promise.”
