Growing an international business: a CEO perspective
Event Date: 20 March 2025
Time: 2pm for 2.15pm start
Venue: Stenhouse Wing, Room SW204, Strathclyde Business School.
Please see Eventbrite registration link to register and for more information
The Stephen Young Institute for International Business is delighted to be hosting a session by Dr Rabinder Buttar OBE, former President of Clintec International.
Dr Buttar, a former E&Y Scottish Entrepreneur of the Year, will share the story of how she launched and grew a Glasgow-based business that now operates in 40 countries providing clinical research services to the life sciences sector. Dr Buttar will share insights and lessons learnt from spotting opportunities to navigating the challenges of international expansion. She will also talk about her personal journey from saleswoman to founder and CEO of a multi-million dollar turnover company. This will be a fascinating session for students and faculty from across the Strathclyde community.
About Dr Rabinder Buttar, OBE
Dr Rabinder Buttar is a British businesswoman and entrepreneur, renowned for her significant contributions to the clinical research industry. She is the founder, and former CEO and Chairperson of ClinTec International, a global clinical research organisation. Clintec works with pharmaceutical & biotech clients with a common mission to globally develop innovative medicines for the benefit of mankind.
Dr Buttar was born in India and pursued her higher education in the United Kingdom. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in Immunology from the University of Strathclyde. Additionally, she earned a Certificate in Management from the University of Reading and received an honorary doctorate from the University of the West of Scotland.
With over three decades in the clinical research industry, Dr Buttar founded ClinTec International in 1997. Under her leadership, the company has expanded into more than 40 countries, providing customised clinical research solutions to a diverse clientele, including seven of the world's top ten multinational pharmaceutical companies.
Dr Buttar's entrepreneurial spirit and leadership have been acknowledged through various accolades:
- In 2009, she was named the Institute of Directors' 'Director of the Year' for Glasgow & West of Scotland
- In 2011 & 2018, she received the Ernst & Young Scottish Entrepreneur of the Year award
- In 2014, she was listed by the British Science Council as one of the top 10 practicing entrepreneurial scientists in Britain
- 2015 she received the Business Woman of the Year (People Make Glasgow) in recognition of her success in global business, entrepreneurship, and leadership
- 2015 inducted into Strathclyde’s Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs
- 2024, OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services in Entrepreneurship, Business Leadership and Innovation
Dr Buttar is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, reflecting her esteemed position in the scientific and medical communities.
Published: 13 February 2025
