Susan Davies, Chief Executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, has been appointed as Chair of the global research hub. Susan has been Chief Executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre since 2019 and is also a former Director of Conservation at the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
She has been on the Hutton board since 2017 as a trustee and previously held a range of operational, policy, and science roles within Scottish Natural Heritage (now NatureScot) for over 15 years, including Director of Policy and Advice and, latterly, Acting Chief Executive.
Originally from Peebles in the Scottish Borders, Ms. Davies' early career was spent as an adviser/ head of unit with the UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee, where she was involved in the development and implementation of nature legislation and species and habitat recovery programs across the UK and at a European level.
Susan Davies
She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and is currently a member of the Scottish Government's First Minister's Environmental Council, established to advise on international best practices to help Scotland respond effectively to climate and nature emergencies.
Ms. Davies said: "I couldn't be prouder to be taking over as chair of what is quite rightly considered one of the world's leading research institutes. The James Hutton Institute helps societies across the globe respond to ever-growing challenges around food security, sustainable management of our natural resources, and net zero."
"We are all at a milestone moment in working together to build economic, environmental, and societal resilience to climate change and tackling nature loss."
"While our roots are in Scotland, the Hutton team collaborates with a vast range of global stakeholders, including governments, businesses, researchers, land managers, and communities from around the world. I look forward to working with them to ensure science continues to have a positive and lasting impact on us all."
Ms. Davies replaces current Chair Ian Gambles, who has served on the Hutton Board for nine years. During his time in the role, he steered the Board to a new and ambitious Corporate Plan and through a significant period of investment for the Institute's estate.
Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of James Hutton Institute, said: "The work being carried out at the Institute is vital in safeguarding the future of our natural resources and supporting thriving communities, not just in Scotland, but globally.
"Susan Davies has had a long and distinguished career in nature conservation and responsible stewardship of land and natural resources. Having her as Chair will be a fantastic asset as she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Institute, and I very much look forward to working with her."
Ms. Davies will be stepping into the role of Chair in mid-September and will be working closely with the current Chair, Ian Gambles, in the interim to ensure a smooth transition between the two.
For more information:
Professor Derek Stewart, Director
James Hutton Institute
info@hutton.ac.uk
www.hutton.ac.uk