Simon Skinner will take charge of the National Trust for Scotland next month
The former boss of an Irish financial services company has been appointed chief at Scotland’s largest conservation charity.
Simon Skinner will take up his post in charge of the National Trust for Scotland next month.
He was formerly chief executive of Aegon Ireland, which manages assets, pensions and life assurance.
Mr Skinner succeeds Kate Mavor as the boss of the charity, which owns much of Glen Coe, Ben Lomond, Goatfell on Arran, estates in Torridon, as well as the world heritage site St Kilda. The NTS has more than 330,000 members.
Earlier in his career he was also appointed to corporate services, management and marketing roles with the Automobile Association, Scottish Widows and Greater Glasgow Health Board. Mr Skinner holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Stirling.
The National Trust for Scotland’s chairman Sir Moir Lockhead OBE said: “Simon Skinner brings an absolute wealth of leadership experience to the trust.
“Simon will play a key role as we chart the charity’s future through development of a fresh long-term vision and strategy.
“He can put his expertise in change management and strategic thinking to immediate use as we continue to modernise and enhance the trust for the good of its members and the nation.
“Simon will build upon the firm foundations laid by his predecessor, Kate Mavor and, in particular, will focus upon setting and meeting targets for fundraising and revenue generation, which in turn will allow us to fulfil our conservation ambitions.”
Mr Skinner said: “I am truly looking forward to becoming the National Trust for Scotland’s new chief executive.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for me to use my skills and experience to help conserve and protect some of the most treasured and evocative places in Scotland.
“From the progress made in the last five years, I hope to further build a legacy of a vibrant and secure trust that is fully engaged with its members and is even more effective in delivering its core purpose of conserving and promoting our heritage.
“Over the last 30 years I have loved visiting the wonderful places the trust cares for with my children, so I am acutely aware of the importance of encouraging new generations to enjoy them as much as we did.”
He will take up his new post on 8 June.
