Our team

Aimee has a strong background in operational HR and learning and development, primarily gained within the energy industry. She graduated with an MA (Hons) in Geopolitics & International Relations from the University of Dundee in 2010 and gained her MSc in Human Resource Management from Robert Gordon University in 2014.

Aimee joined DYW North East as an Employer School Coordinator in 2021, progressing to Regional Lead in 2022 before taking up her current role of Interim Director.

She is passionate about bringing schools, businesses and partners together to support young people to enter sustainable positive destinations.

Aimee enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends, cooking and walking.

Alan joined DYW North East in 2021 as an Employer School Coordinator before taking up his current position as Regional Lead in 2023.

He particularly enjoys the people aspect of his role and the opportunity to bring partners and employers together to support young people.

With a background in the sport and leisure industry, Alan continues to enjoy keeping fit outside of work.

Hannah graduated with a BA (Hons) in Public Relations from Robert Gordon University in 2016. She joined DYW North East in 2018 and has worked in a variety of roles within the organisation before taking up her current position as Programme Lead.

Hannah is very approachable with a keen interest in communication; she is an all-round people person. She enjoys working with schools, businesses and partners to create opportunities for both young people and industry.

Outside of work Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and watching football - she is a season ticketholder at Pittodrie. She also loves travelling to different countries and exploring new things.

Romana joined DYW North East in 2022. With 18 years’ experience in the Metropolitan Police Service and eight years as a leader, she has an extensive transferable skill set from working in partnership with numerous UK and international agencies. Romana is a strong and confident communicator with a passion for meeting and helping people.

In her personal life, Romana is committed to wellbeing and fitness. She is a keen cyclist, swimmer, runner, yogi and hiker.

Clare initially joined the team as an Employer School Coordinator before taking up her current role in 2022.

She has over two decades of experience in marketing and communications, much of which was gained working on a freelance basis. A graduate of Robert Gordon University, Clare holds the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations.

She enjoys using her communications experience and networks to highlight the importance of giving young people early exposure to different career pathways.

Outside of work, Clare likes spending time on her two favourite Rs - running and reading.

Mavis Anagboso has 20 years of experience working with senior executives across the UK government and the energy sector. She is currently Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Europe) at Harbour Energy and is Co-Founder of The Africulture Network, an organisation that aims to promote African culture and heritage, and celebrate the socio-historical connection between Africa and Scotland.

Neil Cowie is Principal and Chief Executive of North East Scotland College (NESCol).

He graduated with an honours degree in Sociology from the University of Aberdeen and worked in retail and social housing before joining Banff and Buchan College as a lecturer in 1999.

At its inception in 2013, Neil joined NESCol as Vice Principal and has held senior management responsibility for most of the College’s support-related operational areas as well as curriculum, business and community development and quality-related activities.

Currently Global Resources Manager with Claxton Engineering Services, Neil has a strong background in training, learning and development.

His experience is grounded in the energy industry, where he started his career as an engineering technician. As a former apprentice, Neil is committed to raising awareness of the different pathways that are available to young people.

He is a trustee of Lifestars SCIO, an Aberdeen-based charity that helps children with additional support needs.

Currently Chief Executive of Katoni Engineering, James is an experienced leader with a strong track record in growing and managing businesses through change.

He has extensive knowledge of DYW North East, having held the dual roles of director of DYW North East and Research and Policy Director with Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce from 2013-2015.

James has a keen interest in economics and is a regular commentator in the press, writing mainly about the North-east economy and energy industry.

Allison started her career as a police officer in 1984. After having her family she studied before gaining her PhD in Fish Immunology.

Allison worked as a research fellow with Aberdeen University before moving to the school of Medical Sciences where she lectured and coordinated an industrial placement programme. She also partnered with a number of European universities to establish a multi-centered MSc in Medical Biotechnology.

In 2017 Allison took up the post of Skills Planning Lead (NE) with Skills Development Scotland, where she works with partners to align skills provision to the needs of the NE economy.

Since graduating from the Robert Gordon University, Stuart has spent much of his time working for Mackie’s of Scotland across various roles. He was appointed Managing Director in 2023 after working at the family business for more than 16 years, latterly as Sales and Marketing Director.

Stuart is well known in the local business community through his active involvement in supporting and promoting the Scottish food and drink sector. He sits on the food, drink and agriculture board with Opportunity North East - a private sector led economic group.

Stuart joined DYW as he is passionate about helping young people get the right start in life.