New Chief Executive For SEPA

16 December 2011

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has appointed Professor James Curran MBE as chief executive

The appointment follows the resignation of existing chief executive, Dr Campbell Gemmell, who is taking on a new role in South Australia. James will take up the post on 7 January 2012, following Dr Gemmell's departure.

James Curran has extensive experience in many aspects of environmental science and regulation, spanning more than three decades, and is highly regarded and widely respected as an expert authority on the environment and environmental protection.

He was part of the (then) Scottish Office team, which originally designed SEPA, before joining the agency when it was established in 1996. He was SEPA's Head of Science before becoming Head of Environmental Strategy, following which he spent some years setting up Entrading, the UK's first comprehensive eco-store and café, in central Glasgow, before returning to SEPA in 2009 as Director of Science and Strategy.

SEPA Chairman, David Sigsworth, said: "I am very pleased that James has agreed to become our next Chief Executive. He is a well-known and influential expert, and has an excellent record in environmental science, regulation and strategy."

Dr Campbell Gemmell, SEPA's outgoing Chief Executive, said: "James is an excellent choice. I have worked with him for very many years, as an environmental strategist and as a valued member of SEPA's Corporate Management Team."

James Curran said: "I am delighted and proud to have been offered, and to accept, the post of SEPA Chief Executive. The environment has always been my passion and my profession; and SEPA is an asset to Scotland, providing both first class environmental protection and contributing to a healthy economy. I am honoured to have this opportunity to lead SEPA to what I hope is a bright and sustainable future."

www.sepa.org.uk

Darrel Moore