Name: Ronald Neil CBE
Job: Former Head of BBC News and CEO of BBC Production
Industry: Media
Class of: 1961
House: Law

What did you do?

I was the CEO of all programme production across the BBC. Prior to this appointment, I was responsible for all BBC News and Current Affairs output.

How did you get to where you are today?

From school, I entered straight into the world of work and didn’t follow the traditional path of studying at university. I started working as a tea boy for the Sunday Express, before becoming a Trainee Reporter.

The BBC took me on as a News Reporter on Reporting Scotland, which was followed by a big move down south to London where I took up the role of Programme Editor on daily television programmes including Nationwide and That’s Life. Over the years, I’ve been fortune to be involved in a variety of fun projects inventing new programmes like The Six O’Clock News, Newsnight and Breakfast Television.

What is a standout memory of your time at The High School of Glasgow?

My outstanding memory from my school days was the obsession with learning the three “R”s – reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic. They have stood me in great stead ever since!

What one piece of advice would you give to current pupils and recent leavers as they look to their futures?

Not going to university does not equate to failure. There are so many other routes that can lead you to success and happiness in your career and personal life. Try and develop an aim or a target for what you would like to do and go for it!

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