Scotland’s largest conservation charity has appointed a new chief executive.
The National Trust for Scotland has appointed Simon Skinner as its new chief executive.
Skinner was previously chief executive of financial company Aegon Ireland Plc, having served in a succession of senior leadership posts within the wider Aegon UK group of pension, insurance and investment businesses.
He replaces Kate Mavor, who departed from the Trust last month to become the chief executive of English Heritage.
Of his appointment he said his goal was to improve the way the trust conserves and promotes Scotland’s heritage.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Earlier in his career Skinner has fulfilled roles in corporate services, management and marketing with the Automobile Association, Scottish Widows and Greater Glasgow Health Board.
In his new role he will lead Scotland’s largest, independent conservation charity, which has a membership in excess of 330,000.
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
Welcoming him to the role, 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.”
