Biography
Peter Proud has had an enviable career as a high-flyer in the corporate digital world holding senior roles at global giants, including Microsoft, Accenture and IBM. As an entrepreneur and now CEO and Founder of Edinburgh based tech firm Forrit, he has a great deal of experience under his belt which he is keen to share to support the next generation of digital natives and business leaders.
Peter has come a long way since his early days as a milk-boy from Dunfermline proving that hard work, determination to succeed, along with a good education, can reap great rewards.
“I went to Woodmill High School and made some great friends with whom I am still in contact. I am a great believer in the African proverb “if you want to go fast, go alone – if you want to go far, go together”.
As for the milk round, I think we worked about 38 hours a week plus school. It made you fit and taught you respect and the value of money - most importantly for me, it made me realise that customer satisfaction was crucial in business.
After leaving school I became an apprentice at Marconi Avionics in Dunfermline, while studying at Fife College’s then Lauder Campus – those early years being an apprentice were amongst the most important of my life, laying the foundations for a successful future career.
My main roles before founding Forrit were senior director for Microsoft in the sales organisation and a partner within Accenture Interactive, the digital arm of Accenture. Prior to that I was Account Manager at IBM
At Microsoft, I worked my way up the ladder over 14 fruitful years where I held a number of roles including Director of Global Customer Alliances. I then moved to Accenture, where I was the partner globally responsible for the software business of the Digital Marketing Platform Group in Accenture Interactive, helping the team triple revenues, in a highly-competitive marketplace.
Both companies are demanding in different ways, which is fantastic if you are going on to build your own company. You learn the varied skillsets it takes to be a CEO.
I’m now very fortunate to be CEO of Forrit, with 65 staff, a multi-million-pound turnover, and a client base including Microsoft, Tesco Bank and Lloyd’s of London.”
Peter is passionate about innovation, business, and the development of young talent. He is an active ambassador for Young Enterprise Scotland and on the Digital Transformation Board for Scottish Government.
Alongside his working career he is a Fellow of the Technology and Innovation Centre at Strathclyde University. He is also an Entrepreneur in Residence and a visiting Professor at the University, where he gives lectures and advice to students on how to start and sustainably scale a business.
Latest Update
Most recently Peter joined Prostate Scotland as a trustee after being diagnosed and successfully treated for the illness in 2025.
In his role as a trustee, Peter will offer strategic guidance on digital engagement, innovation and technology, as well as supporting Prostate Scotland’s wider mission to provide information, advice and support to men across the country.
Related Courses
Fife College offers a wide range of apprenticeship programmes which combine real-life work experience with learning the skills that employers want and value.