Richard Cairns

Richard was appointed on 1 April 2023 and has over 30 years’ experience in the field of economic development and has worked in both the public and private sectors in Scotland, across the UK and EU, and in Australia. His most recent post was Strategic Advisor to the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Region for Clyde Mission, seeking to maximise the economic, environmental, and social regeneration potential of the river. He has extensive experience in public sector governance and in project delivery.

Richard has been a Board member of Hub West Scotland, the public infrastructure delivery company, and a Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy, University of Strathclyde. He has also been the Strategic Director of Regeneration, Environment & Growth at West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC). Prior to joining WDC, Richard was Head of Economic Development at Mazars, Head of Economic Development for the Audit Commission in London, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Head of Economic Development for Glasgow City Council.

Richard has an extensive background in Board governance, economic development, and the delivery of public services. This includes previous Board membership of the UK Institute for Economic Development; Chairperson of the Clydebank Property Company; and Board membership of Glasgow Film Theatre.