New Chief Executive appointed to The Highland Council

23rd June 2023

The Highland Council has appointed a new Chief Executive. The successful candidate is Derek Brown, currently the Deputy Chief Executive with North Lanarkshire Council.

Derek started his career in teaching. His first job was in an international school in Madrid. Later, he worked as an English teacher in North Lanarkshire and Fife before working as a Depute Head Teacher in Glasgow. He was a head teacher for five years in Aberdeen City Council. He left that post to join Fife Council as Head of Children's Services in 2014, where he worked on post-16 pathways, improving educational performance and overseeing schools in North East Fife.

In 2018 he was seconded from Fife Council to the Scottish Government as a Professional Advisor to work on the National Improvement Framework. He subsequently joined North Lanarkshire Council where, before taking on the role of Deputy Chief Executive, he held the post of Executive Director of Education, Children and Families leading on all aspects of education, children's services and justice services; community learning and development; post-16 employability; financial inclusion and active creative communities. More recently, he has also overseen the Enterprise and Communities Directorate, with responsibilities for Strategic Capital Development, Economic Development, Corporate Property, Housing, Procurement, Regulatory Services, Parks and Roads.

In his leisure time Derek is a frequent visitor to the Highlands, which he and his family love to explore. He loves absorbing himself in the literature, history and heritage of the area. He is currently learning Gaelic, which he hopes to have opportunities to improve in his new role.

Derek Brown said: "I have always been inspired by the wonderful places and people of the Highlands, which I have had a lifelong interest in exploring and enjoying. I am very proud to have the opportunity to serve the public in the Highlands and to devote myself to addressing the challenges the region faces, as well as realising its great potential and future opportunities. I am keen to build on the rich culture and heritage and to work with staff, elected members and communities to bring forward a uniting vision for the future of the Highlands."

Derek was appointed by a senior members’ appointment panel. His start date for joining The Highland Council is to be confirmed.

The Convener of the Recruitment Panel, Council Councillor Bill Lobban said: “I am excited to welcome Derek to his new role. He brings with him great experience, especially when it comes to championing young people and overseeing significant economic success in North Lanarkshire. In his previous roles he has shown a commitment to delivering high quality public services, with a real understanding of what it means to provide leadership. I look forward very much to working with him to make public services in the Highlands the very best they can be. I would also like to express my thanks to Acting Chief Executive, Kate Lackie for the highly professional way she has led the Council through a very difficult period and hope that she will continue to make a valuable contribution to the Council’s future success.”

Leader Councillor Raymond Bremner added: “I am delighted to welcome Derek to his new role, and I very much look forward to working with him to provide improved, quality services to the people of the Highlands.”

He also expressed his sincere thanks on behalf of the Council to Kate Lackie who has been interim Chief Executive over the last 6 months.

He also expressed his sincere thanks on behalf of the Council to Kate Lackie who has been interim Chief Executive over the last 6 months. “She has successfully steered the council through the budget, publication of the corporate plan and managed a range of strategic issues during this time.”