Aidan completed the full-time MBA in 2002, before becoming the first member of staff here at the School dedicated to corporate relations. This was a role in which we were lucky to have him for over two decades. Aidan was truly at home in forging and maintaining an impressive network of business contacts within the city and beyond, and was instrumental in establishing the Business Series events and the Entrepreneurship Club, which ran successfully for many years.
I first met Aidan in September 2001, as an MBA classmate, and – after a few years overseas – reconnected in 2007 when I moved back to Edinburgh to join the Chartered Banker Institute. We stayed in regular touch as colleagues and friends ever since, and together we organised and hosted a very wide range of memorable Business School events and dinners over the years. The Business School and Edinburgh won’t seem the same without him.Simon Thompson, Managing Director of Global Capacity Building Coalition
Aidan was proud of his role as Secretary to the School’s International Advisory Board, where he worked tirelessly to support the Dean and the Board’s membership and provide independent and external advice to set future vision, networks and goals for the School.
I have known and worked with Aidan for over twenty years as he supported us on the International Advisory Board. Aidan, was always efficient, organised and very professional. At the same time he was a real gentleman in every way. He was kind, thoughtful, charming and he always had time for everyone whoever they were. Above everything else we will miss his broad smile and that famous twinkle in his eye.John D Campbell OBE, and Chair of the International Advisory Board University of Edinburgh Business School
Aidan’s successes in role ensured strong links with the business community and brought in many new contacts to the School, which in turn benefited the student experience. They also led to enduring relationships with a range of professional support organisations including the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the Institute of Accountants Scotland (ICAS) and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI).
Over the many years, Aidan witnessed the evolution of the School in the form of the growth of postgraduate programmes, a new building in 2010, and the significant expansion of the School’s student experience offering.
I was fortunate not only to have worked closely with Aidan over a long number of years, but also to have taught him when he was studying for his MBA. He was definitely one of the most intellectually curious students in class, always pushing the ‘why’, ‘what for’ and ‘tell me more’ questions. However, what really struck me was that he would frame his questions in a way that included his fellow class members. That always impressed me: Aidan was truly someone who thrived on the power of bringing people together for meaningful conversations and connections. Aidan, I miss you very much indeed, but I am so grateful for everything you brought to our School.Wendy Loretto, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the University of Edinburgh Business School
And finally, from those who worked daily with Aidan and who speak so fondly of him as both a colleague and friend. On behalf of all his team colleagues, past and present, a final and fitting tribute to Aidan:
Aidan was a wonderful, much loved and respected colleague who had such a presence and an impact in all the teams he was a part of. He was the ultimate professional, with his “not so little black book” which was the envy of many. Whether he was building networks, engaging with clients to enhance the student experience or supporting Alumni Burns Suppers and graduation receptions, Aidan was always a supportive colleague to everyone he worked with.
He contributed so much to the team experience - often in surprising ways. Humble and private as he was, we sometimes got to see another side of Aidan at team events. As a bit of a wine connoisseur, he ran wine tasting sessions for us, providing us with a good excuse to enjoy a few fine wines after a busy day at work. Whenever there was a team quiz, we were all desperate to be in Aidan’s inevitably winning team, given he was a very knowledgeable individual who was well versed in a wide range of topics. Seeing him in action as our auctioneer, selling off student art work as a fundraiser for a local charity, was an insight into a previous career. With gavel in hand, his charisma, humour and showmanship was on display, earning us funds way beyond our expectations. The School will never be the same without Aidan, however he has left us a wonderful legacy and many happy memories.
We have all been deeply saddened by this news, but shall remember Aidan fondly. We send our heartfelt condolences to Aidan’s wife, Holly, his son, Hugh, and his extended family.