Tag: new CHief Executive

Paul Lawrence starts as the capital’s Chief Executive

Paul Lawrence, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, sitting at a desk and smiling.

Paul Lawrence officially takes up the post of Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council today (Monday 17 June).

Succeeding Andrew Kerr, who retired at the weekend after nine years in the role and 42 years of public service, Paul will work closely with the existing management team and Leader Cammy Day to drive forward key priorities for the Council.

Welcoming Paul to the post, Council Leader Cammy Day said: “On day one of his new role, I’d like to warmly welcome Paul Lawrence to the position of Chief Executive. We have much to look forward to as we build on the improvements we’ve already made to  council services and continue to deliver on our ambitious priorities for the Capital.

“This is a busy year for the city with plans for new schools and housing underway, improvements to transport links and designs for the UK’s first visitor levy to be shaped. That alongside our continued investment in the essential services we know residents rely on every day and, of course, the forthcoming election.

I’d also like to pass on my best wishes and thanks to Andrew Kerr for his many years of dedication, hard work, and leadership. After an impressive 42 years’ worth of commitment to public service I wish Andrew a truly happy and healthy retirement with his loved ones.”

Having served as the Council’s Executive Director of Place since 2015, Paul Lawrence starts his role as Chief Executive with extensive experience running the city’s planning, housing, transport, regulatory services and environment services, as well as economic development and culture.

Paul began his local government career in 1990 as Arts Director for Durham City Council before moving to Northern Arts as Assistant Chief Executive in 1997. He went on to spend 10 years at Newcastle City Council as Head of Culture, and later Assistant Chief Executive, before becoming Corporate Director, Place, at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council in 2010.

Councillors unanimously approved a report recommending his appointment at a meeting last month (9 May) following a competitive interview process.

Incoming Chief Executive Paul Lawrence said: “It is a real privilege to begin serving as Chief Executive. This is a city I am proud to have called home for almost 10 years.

“Having served as the council’s Director of Place since 2015, I’m fortunate to be able to bring a deep understanding of the challenges and exciting opportunities facing Scotland’s capital to this role. In the busy weeks and months ahead,

“I’m pleased this experience will allow me to get to work quickly. And I have much work to do – not least serving as the Returning Officer for the general election in less than three weeks’ time!

“I’d like to congratulate Andrew on his retirement and thank him for his many, many years of service. I’m delighted to get started and to build on his achievements.”

Andrew Kerr took up his post as Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council in July 2015, having previously held the same role at North Tyneside, Wiltshire and Cornwall Councils. In 2021, Andrew was awarded the OBE for services to the public sector in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.

Speaking on his last day, Andrew Kerr said: “I’m hugely proud to have dedicated my entire working life to local government and public service and I know Paul will lead this council with the same passion and dedication.

“I’m confident that under his new leadership, the City of Edinburgh Council will continue to go from strength to strength, delivering the best services it can for the people of this incredible city.

“I’m fortunate to end my career here in Edinburgh and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone I have worked with, for their unwavering commitment to this city.

“It has been an honour to work with such talented and resilient colleagues during both prosperous and challenging times. I wish everyone well for the future.”

Paul Lawrence set to become city council’s new Chief Executive

Paul Lawrence has been recommended for appointment as the new Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council.

Following a competitive selection process, overseen by a cross-party panel of senior councillors, a final decision will be taken on the appointment today’s meeting of Full Council (9 May).

If the panel’s recommendation is approved, Mr Lawrence is expected to start as Chief Executive on 17 June.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted that following a rigorous recruitment process, Paul Lawrence has been recommended for appointment into the role of Chief Executive.

“We had an extremely high calibre of candidates from across the UK, which is testament to the Council’s – and the city’s – reputation. Subject to councillors’ approval on Thursday, I look forward to welcoming Paul into his new role.”

Current Chief Executive, Andrew Kerr, will retire on 14 June, following nine years with the Council, and 42 years of public service.

Paul has been the Council’s Executive Director of Place since 2015, with his responsibilities including planning, housing, transport, regulatory services and environment, as well as economic development and culture.

NHS Lothian Announces New Chief Executive

Caroline Hiscox has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, a position she will take up later this year following the retirement of the Board’s current Chief Executive, Calum Campbell, after 40 years’ service in the NHS.

With an exceptional career history in Nursing, Professor Hiscox has over 30 years’ experience in corporate and public sector clinical and senior leadership roles.  She is currently seconded to the role of Interim Chief Executive at NHS Tayside from her substantive role as Chief Executive at NHS Grampian, a post she has held for 3 years.

During her time at NHS Grampian, Professor Hiscox placed great importance on improving patient care, creating a healthy working culture and collaborating with other public partners in the region towards common goals.

Commenting on her appointment Professor Hiscox said: “These are challenging times for the NHS but I believe that by working together we achieve great things. I am delighted to be joining NHS Lothian whose teams already deliver the highest quality treatment and care.

“I look forward to working with them to explore new ways to transform services against a backdrop of rising demand. Our goal is to ensure that quality is maintained sustainably as we strive to further reduce health inequalities, improve outcome for patients and maintain joy in our work.”

Welcoming Professor Hiscox, NHS Lothian Chair John Connaghan said, ‘On behalf of the Board, I wish to congratulate Prof Hiscox on her appointment. 

“Caroline is a highly respected Board Chief Executive in NHS Scotland, with an impressive track-record in strategic and system leadership and a real focus on improving experiences for patients and staff. We look forward to working with her to build on the existing great work of our teams.”

Calum Campbell retires from his role as Chief Executive at the end of May and Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive will lead as Interim Chief Executive until Professor Hiscox takes up her new role later in the summer.

Edinburgh Leisure seeks new Chief Executive

Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, has begun the search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following the announcement of the retirement of their current CEO, June Peebles (who was part of the original team that helped establish Edinburgh Leisure in 1998).

June led the organisation through the unprecedented period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the various lockdowns and venue closures, leading with unflappability and transparency.

Although venues were closed, some projects were fast-tracked including staffing reviews, and building projects continued where possible, including retiling the Royal Commonwealth diving pool, upgrading the front façade at Portobello Swim Centre and the refurbishment of Warrender Swim Centre (one of Edinburgh Leisure’s five much-loved Victorian pools). 

June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s current CEO said: “I reached the conclusion that, for me, there is no ‘right’ time to leave Edinburgh Leisure.

“I love my work, irrespective of how challenging or less challenging things are, and hardly a day goes by when I don’t experience a proud moment, whether that’s because of the performance of a colleague or from seeing and/ or hearing about the impact of our work on people’s lives. I feel very fortunate to work in an industry and for an organisation I feel passionate about. But there comes a time…and after 38 years, now feels like the right time to retire.

“I leave whoever picks up the baton with an organisation that is mature and certain of its purpose, the value it brings to the city of Edinburgh and, importantly, with the ambition to do more.  This is a great opportunity for someone to put their own stamp on how Edinburgh Leisure continues to thrive.

June Pebbles Chief Executive Edinburgh Leisure

June continues:  “A charity with one clear purpose – to make a positive difference by creating opportunities for everyone to get active, stay active and achieve more, the new CEO will be required to ensure that Edinburgh Leisure continues to deliver on its purpose in a sustainable way.

“Leading an experienced, enthusiastic and committed team – all of whom are focused on making a positive difference through physical activity, working effectively with our  many partners (especially the elected members and officials at the City of Edinburgh Council), and providing all our customers with a great experience.”

Eden Scott is handling the recruitment and interested applicants should contact Sarah Gracie, Associate Director on 07999 421 314

Scran Academy announce new Chief Executive

Scran Academy has announced the appointment of Darrell Williams as their new Chief Executive. Darrell will be joining the local social enterprise following a period of significant growth and impact in the youth employability and education space.

Previously, Darrell spent five years as the Chief Operating Officer for Edinburgh Science, delivering a range of festivals and education work across the UK and overseas. Between 2011 and 2015, he was Managing Director at Macrobert Arts Centre in Stirling.

Darrell moved to Scotland in 2005 and spent six years as Head of Sales and Marketing for the King’s and Festival Theatres.

Before that, he worked for BBC Worldwide on marketing, communication and sales campaigns for large scale events and exhibitions. When he’s not at Scran, he plans to be spending time with his family walking up in the hills and serving on the board of two arts organisations.

Commenting on his appointment, Darrell said: “Scran Academy has achieved much in relatively short time. It is an organisation with ambition and passion running through its veins.

“It’s an honour to join them and I’m looking forward to working with the team to further grow and develop the organisation’s projects, partnerships and plans.”

Scran Academy Founder, John Loughton said: “The staff team, Trustees and young people are delighted to welcome Darrell to the Scran family!

“The barriers that young people face in our most overlooked communities have only been exacerbated during two national lockdowns. As society begins to emerge from the pandemic, we look forward to Darrell’s leadership and commitment in building a strong voice for our young people.

“His experience and insight will be invaluable as we embark on the next phase of our mission.”

Darrell will commence as Chief Executive at the beginning of June and will begin working on the delivery of an ambitious strategy for Scran Academy stakeholders.

New Chief Exec for NHS 24

NHS 24 has welcomed the appointment of new Chief Executive Jim Miller, who will join Scotland’s digital health and care service in the spring of 2021.

Mr Miller, is currently Director of Procurement, Commissioning and Facilities at NHS National Services Scotland. He will take up his appointment with NHS 24 on 5th April 2021 and over the coming months will work closely with current CEO Angiolina Foster to ensure an effective transition.

NHS 24 Chairman, Dr Martin Cheyne said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Jim Miller as our new Chief Executive to NHS 24. His appointment follows a detailed interview process which was carried out with a selection of highly experienced candidates for this senior position.

“Jim has worked in management and leadership for over 20 years and prior to joining the NHS, he led technology, data and resilience programmes in the construction and aviation sectors. He leads national organisations delivering a range of services across acute, primary and community based health and social care.

“He has also recently led strategic responses to the COVID 19 pandemic, including the building and equipping of the Louisa Jordan and establishing PPE routes across the system. I am delighted that he will be bringing this experience and talent to NHS 24.” 

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: ”I want to congratulate Jim Miller on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of NHS 24. As the current Director of Procurement, Commissioning and Facilities at NHS National Services Scotland, Mr Miller is respected for his collaborative leadership and professionalism.

“I look forward to welcoming him into post and am confident NHS 24 will continue to deliver a high quality service under his leadership, working in partnership across the health and care system to ensure NHS 24 is fully prepared for future challenges.

“I am pleased Mr Miller will be working closely with current CEO Angiolina Foster in the coming months as he familiarises himself in his new role. I would like to thank Angiolina for the leadership she has provided and the many achievements and improvements delivered during her tenure as Chief Executive over the past four years. I wish her the very best for her retirement.”

Jim Miller said: “Joining NHS 24 is an exciting move and one which I am greatly looking forward to. NHS 24 has delivered exceptional services to the public and to the wider health and care system with its range of telephone and digital services during 2020.

“It has provided critical support to the public and the health system during the COVID pandemic and is helping to transform services through the delivery of 24/7 urgent care.

“I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with colleagues across NHS 24, and am looking forward to continuing to build on this success and to further develop the role of NHS 24 with colleagues and partners across Scotland.”