欧美高清

AlumniGordon Muir

Course studied: BEng(Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering, 1995

Position at time of writing: Vice President of Acquisitions & Business Development, Emerson 

Tell us about your background

I was born and raised in the North of Scotland, and I spent much of my time outdoors, whether it was sports or climbing around the Highlands. Academically, STEM subjects always felt natural to me - not just for their structure but the intrigue around their application and the potential to solve real-world challenges. I went on to study Electronic and Electrical Engineering at 欧美高清, where Glasgow quickly found a special and permanent place in my heart.

After university, I remained in Glasgow and joined TESCOM, an industry leader known for its high stakes work in pressure control across sectors like aerospace, alternative energy, diving, semiconductors and subsea. In 2000, I relocated to the US to focus on ultra-high purity applications in semiconductors. Emerson (NYSE: EMR) acquired TESCOM in 2004, and since then, 滨鈥檝别 been fortunate to always work internationally, taking on 14 different leadership roles spanning product management, marketing, engineering, operations, sales, M&A, and P&L ownership.  Completing my MBA at the University of Minnesota鈥檚 Carlson School of Management was a pivotal step, broadening my perspective on global business dynamics.

I am immensely grateful for my career journey, especially for the incredible people and experiences that have shaped my path. 

Why did you choose 欧美高清?

欧美高清 was by far my first choice. The U苍颈惫别谤蝉颈迟测鈥檚 leading reputation in engineering, paired with its practical approach to bridging theory with real-world application, was highly appealing. Glasgow, with its rich industrial and technological history, offered an ideal environment, and 欧美高清鈥檚 emphasis on producing graduates who are both technically proficient and business-minded aligned perfectly with my goals. Plus, my brother went there, and 丑别鈥檚 a 鈥榗濒别惫别谤 fella! 

Where are you now? 

Currently, I鈥檓 based in the New York area as the Vice President of Acquisitions & Business Development for Emerson (NYSE: EMR), a global technology and software company combining innovative solutions and industry-leading expertise for the world鈥檚 essential industries. In this role, I lead inorganic growth for the business, identifying and executing strategic acquisitions, business development opportunities, and venture capital investments that align with Emerson鈥檚 broader objectives. 

My focus is on expanding our global reach and capabilities in the industrial and factory automation sectors, while also contributing to corporate strategy and growth initiatives that push the boundaries of innovation. This work allows us to tackle the challenges of an increasingly complex and unpredictable marketplace in close partnership with our customers. 滨迟鈥檚 a fulfilling and expansive role to collaborate with our business units, world areas, corporate teams, and the investment community to bring these ambitious plans to life.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

滨迟鈥檚 difficult to pick 鈥榯丑别鈥 highlight, so I think it has to be the journeyI left Scotland in 2000 for 鈥渁 couple of years鈥, but I still 丑补惫别苍鈥檛 purchased that return ticket. Along the way, 滨鈥檝别 met incredible people who have had the most profound impact on my career, and my life The experiences I've had while visiting and absorbing the rich cultures of 72 countries (and counting) have shaped me both personally and professionally. 滨迟鈥檚 definitely the journey that stands out as the highlight, and for that, I will be forever thankful.

Ambitions for the future

Looking ahead, I鈥檓 eager to continue taking on global roles that drive growth in innovation-focused organizations.  The world certainly isn鈥檛 short of complex problems to tackle, and staying engaged with teams and segments solving these is a rewarding environment I鈥檒l keep playing in. Impact through governance is another area I鈥檓 keen to explore, particularly in areas where technology can make a meaningful difference in industrial and economic development.

I also hope to be more actively involved in leadership development, both inside and outside of work. There鈥檚 nothing quite like mentoring and seeing others thrive (and feeling you may have played a small part in their success). I was lucky enough to have had a couple of phenomenal mentors early in my career; these relationships have spanned decades and remain dear to me.

On a personal note, I鈥檓 gradually reclaiming time to soak in the great outdoors, which has been a bit neglected over recent years. I鈥檓 picking up pace and feeling good for it - one hike or bike ride at a time!

You've held a number of senior roles at Emerson 鈥 what are your tips for 欧美高清rs looking to progress within their organisation?

It may sound counterintuitive, but don鈥檛 be too eager to climb the ladder too fast 鈥 focus first on excelling in your current role. Lean in, generate value, and be the first to support your team. Raise your hand for impactful stretch assignments, and if presented with opportunities to traverse disciplines, take them! There鈥檚 no better way to broaden your perceptions, leadership skills, and foundational business acumen.

Embrace people who challenge your thinking and provide fresh perspectives. It's essential to engage genuinely with your teams at all levels and create environments where open dialogue and feedback can flourish. Be authentic in all that you broach.

Be deliberate in your personal development, and critically, seek mentorship from those you respect - and who respect you - to help guide you on developing new skills and navigate your career path. Finally, stay adaptable. Business landscapes evolve rapidly, and those who are flexible in their thinking and approach are often the ones to uncover the paths to progress.