John McElwee has an M.A. from St Andrews University and an M.B.A. from Strathclyde Graduate Business School. He worked for Marks and Spencer in both Finance and HR and key roles included Head of Audit, Divisional Financial Controller, Head of Graduate Recruitment, Head of HR for Scotland and Head of Reward. 

Currently John is a lay member for Employment Tribunals and the Scotland Social Security Chamber. 

Throughout John’s career he has been involved in advisory roles for Edinburgh International Festival, The Association of Graduate Recruiters, Employability Leadership Group and the Government’s Employee Engagement Task Force. John also works as an HR consultant which includes support for arts venues in London and Glasgow.

He has been on the Board of The Citizens Theatre since 2018 and is currently Vice Chair.