Louise Macdonald, Young Scot CEO, to take up new role

Image by Murdo Macleod (The Guardian)

It has been announced today (Thursday 25th March) that Louise Macdonald OBE, Young Scot Chief Executive, will be leaving the organisation in the early summer.

Louise will be taking up a new post as Scotland Director for the Institute of Directors – focussing on excellence in leadership and governance in business.

When she leaves, Kirsten Urquhart, current Depute Chief Executive, will act up until a new Chief Executive is appointed.

Elma Murray OBE, Young Scot Chair said: “Louise has been an outstanding and inspirational Chief Executive for Young Scot. She has been a relentless champion of young people and has embodied the values of our organisation in her behaviour and actions every single day. Everyone at Young Scot wishes her every success in her new role, but we will miss her terribly when she leaves us in the summer. The Board will lead on planning for the next Young Scot Chief Executive, and are delighted that our Depute Chief Executive, Kirsten Urquhart, will act up whilst that takes place.”

Louise said: “It has unquestionably been the toughest decision of my life – my personal and professional commitment to the work we do, the people we do it with, our partners and young people themselves is and will remain undimmed, and I have lived Young Scot with every fibre of my being for so long, but the time is right for new challenges for me and to create the space to let Young Scot grow and evolve. There will be time yet for me to reflect on my years at Young Scot, and to acknowledge and thank everyone who has been a part of it – it’s a very long list! Young Scot will be in the finest hands with our excellent senior management team, staff, Chair and Board with – everybody focussed as ever on delivering our vital services to those at the heart of our work – young people.”