Highland Council's New Chief Executive Welcomed

4th September 2023

Derek Brown takes up the post of The Highland Council's Chief Executive from today, 4th September 2023.

Derek comes to the Highlands with extensive experience in his previous roles as Deputy Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Local Authority, a Professional Advisor on the National Improvement Framework,

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 said: "The Highlands are close to my heart, and it is an honour and privilege to take on this role, with the opportunity to work with staff, elected members and our partners, to make a real difference to outcomes in Highland.

“I am looking forward to getting out and about and listening to our staff, elected members and communities and learn as much as I can about how the Council can help and support improving people’s lives.

Highland Council Convener, Councillor Bill Lobban, said: “I am aware there are some very real challenges in this region, as well as enormous potential and I am excited to work together with partners to realise that potential."

Leader of the Council, 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.”