Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has announced the appointment of Catherine Topley as its new chief executive.
Topley is set to begin her role in early July, taking over from Geoff Ogle, who is retiring after a decade of steering Scotland’s food regulatory body since its inception in 2015. Her selection comes after a “robust and transparent” public recruitment process.
FSS has highlighted Topley as an “accomplished public-sector leader with significant experience” in driving transformational change, corporate strategy, and enhancing public value.
Currently, she is the chief executive of the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) and has held executive positions in the Scottish Police Authority and the Scottish Prison Service. She will step into her new role at FSS shortly after the introduction of its five-year strategy, which aims to create a food system that is safe, authentic, and healthier.
In addition to her professional roles, Topley has been a trustee for Sight Scotland and Veterans Scotland. Her varied career also includes experience in financial services, manufacturing, engineering, and justice.
Heather Kelman, chair of FSS, remarked: “I am delighted to welcome Catherine Topley as the new chief executive of Food Standards Scotland. She brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strong track record of delivering change and public value at an important time for the organisation.”
Kelman further emphasized the significance of FSS in safeguarding public health: “I am confident Catherine will lead the organisation with clarity, ambition, and purpose, building on its strong foundations.”
Topley expressed her enthusiasm about her new role, stating: “I am very pleased to be appointed as chief executive of Food Standards Scotland. The organisation plays a critical role in ensuring food in Scotland is safe and standards remain high.”
She added: “I look forward to working with colleagues and partners to build on the organisation’s strong foundations, strengthen collaboration, and continue delivering for the people of Scotland.”
