SEPA appoints new Deputy Chief Executive
Date published: 15 May 2026
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has appointed Kirsty-Louise Campbell as Deputy Chief Executive following an internal recruitment process.
The newly created Deputy Chief Executive role will enable SEPA Chief Executive, Nicole Paterson, to focus on external strategic reform and system-wide change, while Kirsty-Louise leads internal operational excellence, organisational capability, performance and transformation across the agency.
Kirsty-Louise joined SEPA in January 2024 and is also the agency’s Chief Officer for Governance, Performance and Engagement. In this role, she leads SEPA’s approach to governance, accountability, strategy, performance, communications and engagement, alongside transformational change and innovation. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, her portfolio supports operational, scientific and corporate functions across SEPA and plays a key role in strengthening collaboration with partners across Scotland and beyond.
Kirsty-Louise Campbell said:
“This new role reflects SEPA’s commitment to continuing to evolve and strengthen how we deliver for Scotland’s environment and the people and communities we serve.
“Since joining SEPA, it’s been clear to me that the organisation is full of committed and passionate colleagues who care deeply about protecting and improving Scotland’s environment. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with colleagues and partners across Scotland to support organisational capability, innovation and public sector reform, ensuring SEPA is well placed to meet future environmental challenges and opportunities.”
Nicole Paterson, SEPA Chief Executive, said:
“Creating the Deputy Chief Executive role strengthens our leadership capacity as we continue to transform how we operate and deliver for Scotland’s environment, communities and businesses.
“Kirsty-Louise has already made a significant contribution to SEPA through her leadership across governance, performance, engagement and organisational reform. Her experience across strategy, innovation, governance and public engagement will be invaluable as SEPA continues to evolve to meet the environmental and public service challenges of the future.”