Back to News

SEPA appoints new Chief Operating Officer; Evidence and Water Resilience

The appointment will see Richard lead the Evidence and Water Resilience portfolio, making sure that strong science and reliable information guide SEPA’s work. He will lead teams across areas including monitoring, research, flooding, water resilience and ecology, and help shape policies that support a low‑carbon, climate‑ready Scotland. As part of the Corporate Leadership Team, he will also help drive the organisation forward and represent SEPA publicly.   

In addition to his new responsibilities, Richard will also retain his current role as SEPA’s Chief Scientific Advisor where he is tasked with bringing together leadership on environmental evidence, monitoring, modelling, data and innovation at a time when public interest in Scotland’s environment has never been higher. 

Prior to joining SEPA in May of this year, Richard had accumulated over 30 years’ worth of experience across roles in science, engineering and transformation where he was responsible for leading major innovation, evidence and multi-disciplinary teams. 

Dr Richard Allan said: 

“I am delighted to be appointed as SEPA's Chief Operating Officer for Evidence and Water Resilience, and I am very much looking forward to working to deliver for SEPA, the environment and the people of Scotland." 

Nicole Paterson, Chief Executive Officer, said: 

"I’m delighted to confirm Dr Richard Allan as Chief Operating Officer for Evidence and Water Resilience (EWR) following a competitive recruitment process.  

“Richard was an outstanding candidate and will be an asset to SEPA in leading his portfolio and as a key member of our Corporate Leadership Team.  

“I am also pleased that he will continue to be SEPA’s Chief Scientific Advisor, a key role for SEPA in supporting Scotland’s response as we face the growing impact of climate and new forms of environmental harm in the years ahead."