Former Harry Potter videogames chief to head digital skills academy

A former videogames chief has been appointed chief executive of Scotland’s new digital skills academy, Codeclan.

Harvey Wheaton has coached a number of software development teams around the world.

He held a number of senior roles at Electronic Arts and managed their Harry Potter games for games consoles, and also help launch SuperMassive Games, which has developed a number of hit games for the Playstation 3 and 4.

RELATED CONTENT

Academy launched for digital workforce

Digital skills - Scotland IS CEO Polly Purvis on the skills gap 

He has also helped develop software for ICI, Astra Zeneca, Cap Gemini and JPMorgan Chase.

Wheaton will play a key role in launching CodeClan in Edinburgh, which opens its doors to its first cohort of students next month.

“CodeClan embodies everything that I care about – technology, education, start-ups and Scotland – so I am delighted to be joining the team,” he said.

“Just now, the digital sector in Scotland is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the emergence of international brands like Skyscanner and FanDuel and ambitious start-ups launching every week. But if we don’t do something to bridge the digital skills gap in Scotland soon then the extraordinary growth we are seeing will be under threat.

“CodeClan offers practical help, a real solution to this problem, and it is a privilege to be part of this exciting venture.”

The academy’s curriculum has been tailored to fit real time market demands in Scotland and is working with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), to offer its graduates ‘Professional Development Awards’ in Software Development.