Jarmo Eskelinen

Jarmo Eskelinen is a business executive with a diverse career in technology, urban development and culture. He is the Director of the Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) programme, jointly delivered by the University of Edinburgh and the Heriot-Watt University. The 15-year programme aims to position Edinburgh as the Data Capital of Europe by building a network of six DDI Innovation Hubs across ten sectors, from creative industries and tourism to healthcare and robotics.

Previously, Jarmo has held CEO, executive and board positions in tech and urban innovation organisations in Finland and the UK. He has significant experience in the creative industries; he’s led the Aalto University film & media centre, been the Production Director of the Helsinki 2000 European City of Culture, and the founder and CEO of an arts promotion company.

In his spare time, Jarmo cycles, enjoys live music, and collects vinyl records. Jarmo and his spouse live a two-city life in Edinburgh and Helsinki, where she teaches cultural management.