THE editor-in-chief of Newsquest Scotland is to receive an honorary doctorate from his former university.
Callum Baird, a journalism graduate from Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), will be awarded the honour during the university’s summer graduation ceremonies in recognition of his contributions to Scottish media.
Currently leading Newsquest Scotland, Baird oversees major news titles such as The Herald, Glasgow Times and The National.
The journalist began his career on The Herald’s sports desk before helping to launch The National in 2014, later becoming its editor.
Since being appointed editor-in-chief in 2022, Baird has led the expansion of Newsquest Scotland’s digital subscriptions and online news platforms.
A supporter of emerging journalists, he has created valuable industry opportunities for GCU students and graduates and was named GCU’s Alumni of the Year in 2023.
Callum is one of seven individuals being recognised by the university for their achievements across media, business, charity, sport, and other sectors.
Rob Woodward, Corinne Hutton MBE, Robert McNeil MBE, Jane Shepherdson CBE, Ian Beattie MBE and Enoch Adeyemi will also be honoured.
Rob Woodward CBE will be recognised for his efforts as an experienced business leader who served as chair of court at GCU from 2018 to 2025.
Rob spent 11 years as chief executive of STV Group and has held key roles at Channel 4, UBS Warburg and Deloitte Consulting.
Corinne Hutton MBE, founder of the amputee charity Finding Your Feet, will also receive an honorary doctorate for her inspirational work.
After surviving life-threatening sepsis in 2013, which resulted in the loss of her hands and lower legs, Corinne has become Scotland’s first double hand transplant recipient.
Since then, she has completed challenges such as climbing Ben Nevis and Mount Kilimanjaro as a quadruple amputee.
Her charity has raised more than £5m and supported thousands of amputees and their families.
Corinne has also helped shape disability education within GCU’s health and life sciences programmes.
Robert McNeil MBE, a former anatomical pathology technologist, will be recognised for his work documenting evidence of genocide in Bosnia between 1996 and 2002.
An accomplished painter and author, Robert has supported education and remembrance work linked to the Srebrenica atrocities, and has become an ambassador and trustee for Remembering Srebrenica Scotland.
Jane Shepherdson CBE, former brand director of Topshop and CEO of Whistles, will be honoured for her contributions to fashion retail.
A long-time supporter of sustainable fashion, Jane is known for transforming Topshop into a global high-street brand.
She now chairs the fashion rental platform My Wardrobe HQ and serves as a director of the London Fashion Fund.
An Honorary Professor at GCU, Jane also serves on the University’s Fashion Advisory Board and aids students through mentoring and industry engagement.
Ian Beattie MBE, chief operating officer at Lindsays and chair of UK Athletics, will be recognised for his sport service.
Ian has helped transform grassroots athletics in Scotland during his leadership of Scottish Athletics.
He is a former race director of the West Highland Way Race and an advocate for mental health and heart disease awareness.
Enoch Adeyemi, a financial services leader and founder of Black Professionals UK, is also among the recipients.
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Enoch Adeyemi moved to the UK in 2003 and has built a career spanning Lloyds Banking Group, RBS, Barclays and Aldermore Bank.
He is also the founder of The Black Scottish Awards and a co-founder of several initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and youth participation in sports.
The honorary degrees will be presented during GCU’s summer graduation ceremonies on June 30, July 1 and July 2 at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall.
