Johnston Carmichael strengthens Tech Advisory Board with two new appointments
Leading UK independent accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has appointed Rachel Jones, founder of online brand protection company SnapDragon, and Elizabeth Pirrie, CEO of AccelerateHER, to its Tech Advisory Board.
The pair join a distinguished group of independent experts, who provide strategic guidance to support Johnston Carmichael’s growth in the sector and enhance its ability to advise and encourage the tech ecosystem.
With extensive experience in scaling businesses and fostering innovation, Rachel Jones brings deep expertise in brand protection, intellectual property, and technology-led entrepreneurship. She founded SnapDragon after a product she launched into the global market was copied. Formerly CEO, she is now a non-executive director of the business, which helps brands safeguard their products from online counterfeit threats worldwide.
She said: “As a non-technical founder, who spent many years developing SnapDragon’s proprietary software and raising investment, I am keen to share my knowledge and empower other founders and businesses with the knowledge and confidence to thrive.”
Elizabeth Pirrie, as CEO of AccelerateHER, has played a pivotal role in championing female founders and driving investment into women-led businesses. Her leadership in supporting high-growth companies will be invaluable in shaping Johnston Carmichael’s advisory approach.
She said: “I was an accountant for more than 20 years before using my experience in growing and scaling businesses to focus on supporting female founders. I hope to help Johnston Carmichael encourage greater diversity in the ecosystem and promote the sector to female entrepreneurs.”
Shaun Millican, Business Advisory Partner and Head of Technology & Life Sciences at Johnston Carmichael, said: “Rachel and Elizabeth bring exceptional knowledge and experience to our Tech Advisory Board. Their insights will help us further strengthen our expertise in supporting ambitious tech businesses as they navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with growth, funding, and global expansion.”
Johnston Carmichael’s Tech Advisory Board brings together leaders from across the industry to provide independent perspectives and helps shape the firm’s approach to supporting the evolving needs of technology-driven businesses.
Among the senior figures who sit on the Board are Colin Macdonald, video games entrepreneur and former Grand Theft Auto producer; Les Gaw, adviser and director to early-stage technology companies; Alisdair Gunn, project director of the Glasgow City Innovation District; and Brendan Waters, an experienced finance professional and passionate supporter of tech-growth.
For further information, please contact BIG Partnership on [email protected] or call 0141 333 9585.
About Johnston Carmichael
Johnston Carmichael is proud to be amongst the top accountancy and business advisory firms in the UK. With more than 950 sharp minds across Scotland, the North East of England and London, the business delivers specialist sector insight and expertise. Together, its people create an enduring impact and have been committed to investing in the next generation of businesses and advisers for over 85 years. Committed to Corporate Social Responsibility, the firm is gold sponsor of the Kiltwalk and a member of the Mindful Business Charter. As a member of Moore Global, it is also connected to a community of more than 30,000 people in 110 countries worldwide.
For more information on Johnston Carmichael, please visit www.johnstoncarmichael.com
