Scott began his career as an auditor before moving into equity research, an early shift that set the course for his long association with investment banking and markets. In 1993 he joined the firm now known as Jarden, where he worked across virtually every part of the business before spending his final 15 years as CEO, stepping down in 2017. Under his leadership Jarden incubated several onshore and offshore businesses that grew into substantial enterprises in their own right, reinforcing his experience in growth, diversification and founder-style environments. 

During his tenure at Jarden, Scott was appointed to the Council of the University of Auckland, a role that subsequently led to his appointment as Chancellor and became a springboard for his wider governance career. His first major commercial governance role was as a Director and ultimately Chair of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, giving him exposure to a global, innovation-led healthcare business. He was also appointed as an independent director to the board of farmer-owned dairy co-operative Fonterra, adding experience in large-scale, export-driven primary industries and complex co-operative ownership structures. 

Scott’s current roles include Chair of Mercury NZ (electricity), Chair of ANZ New Zealand, Director of ANZ Group, and Director of the NEXT Foundation, which focuses on environment and education. He is also involved with a range of commercial and philanthropic entities, reflecting his interest in applying his skills to both economic and societal outcomes.