Former Network Rail executive Michelle Francis has been appointed as deputy chair of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Francis, who has been a member of the board for six years, replaces Professor Lesley Sawers, who had been on the board for eight years and deputy chair since 2016.
The new deputy has two decades of experience in environment and sustainability, having been head of environment at Network Rail and a board member of Scottish Natural Heritage. The University of Aberdeen and Edinburgh Napier University graduate is director of two environment and sustainability consultancies.
SEPA chair Bob Downes said: “SEPA plays an important role in the life of Scotland and now more than ever we have a critical role to play in helping support Scottish businesses adapt during this next period.
"More than that, we’ll be helping Scotland plan for recovery. With Michelle’s Scottish business sustainability experience she will play a critical role in helping our people deliver our ambitious One Planet Prosperity agenda.”
The appointment was made by Roseanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform.
Francis said: "It is a privilege to take on this role at a critical time where for many an extended period indoors reminds us all how important the wider environment is. I look forward to helping to ensure SEPA supports Scotland to get through the current crisis and then push forward with delivering One Planet Prosperity as part of our recovery."
