EMPLOYABILITY
Welcome to the top spot for leaders in Scotland
Heriot-Watt University has been named again as the #1 university in Scotland for producing the highest percentage of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Managing Directors (MDs).
According to the latest report by Novuna Business Cash Flow, a leading financial services company in the UK, which analysed data from over 10 million alumni profiles across 120 UK universities, 4.57% of Heriot-Watt University graduates have gone on to become CEOs or MDs—the highest rate in Scotland.
“This is a remarkable achievement, especially for a university of our size,” commented Professor Angus Laing, Executive Dean of the Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt. “It is a testament to our long-standing commitment to enterprise-focused education, and how we equip our students with the practical skills and mindset needed to lead in today’s complex global economy.”
Overall, the survey placed Heriot-Watt University 20th in the UK. John Atkinson, Head of Commercial and Strategy at Novuna Business Cash Flow, commented how the research also highlighted the importance of thinking beyond traditional paths: “Whether someone’s future lies in founding a business or leading one, there’s more than one route to success”.
A path to successful leadership
Monika Paloschi is Deputy Director (Commercial) at the UK Cabinet Office
“Heriot-Watt played such a meaningful role in my journey, and I’m proud to be part of a community that continues to inspire the next generation of leaders,” she comments.
Leading the strategy and delivery behind some of the nation’s most transformative public programmes, most notably the rebuilding of over 500 schools and the delivery of next-generation hospitals, Monika is shaping the future of education and healthcare for millions.
“It’s a role that demands strategic thinking, cross-sector collaboration, and bold decision making,” she explains. “I work at the heart of government, bridging policy, design, and industry to turn vision into reality. Every day brings high-stakes challenges, but also the privilege of knowing that the work we do will leave a lasting legacy. It’s fast-paced, complex, and endlessly meaningful.”
Monika studied an MA (Hons) in Management, describing it as the launchpad for everything that followed: “It gave me more than academic knowledge; it nurtured a global mindset, sharpened my commercial instincts, and taught me to lead with purpose and confidence,” she comments. “The international perspective, real-world focus, and diverse community at Heriot-Watt shaped how I think, work, and collaborate to this day. It laid the foundation not just for a successful career, but for the kind of impact-driven leadership I aspire to every day.”
Heriot-Watt played such a meaningful role in my journey.”
Monika Paloschi
Adebowale Adesona is the MD/CEO of Coronation Life Assurance (Nigeria)
My university experience underpins what I have achieved.”
Adebowale Adesona
“I hold dual master’s degrees in Actuarial Science and Actuarial Management—both earned with distinction—from Heriot-Watt University,” Adebowale explains.
An accomplished actuary and a forward-thinking leader, Adebowale has been instrumental in advancing regulatory frameworks in Nigeria, and his career includes impactful roles at industry giants including AXA Mansard, Wapic, Old Mutual Nigeria, and PwC Nigeria, through which he has consistently championed innovation and transformation.
Since taking the helm at Coronation Life Assurance—one of the foremost life insurance companies in Nigeria—in 2023, he has propelled the business to new heights. “My role involves driving sustainable growth, crafting and executing our bold strategies, innovating solutions that safeguard our customers' financial futures, and managing different stakeholders,” he explains.
In 2024, Adebowale was elected as a Council Member of the Nigerian Actuarial Society, which will see him leverage his expertise, experience, and network to drive growth, innovation, and excellence across the actuarial community. “I am committed to fostering collaboration and inclusivity, professional development, advocacy and industry engagement,” he comments. “My university experience helped to build the skills I need to succeed and underpins what I have achieved.”
