Derek Brown

Derek comes to the Highlands with extensive experience in his previous roles as deputy chief executive of North Lanarkshire Council and a professional advisor on the National Improvement Framework.

Starting his career in teaching, his first job was in an international school in Madrid. Later, he worked as an English teacher in North Lanarkshire and Fife before working as a depute head teacher in Glasgow. He was a head teacher for five years in Aberdeen City Council. He left that post to join Fife Council as head of children’s services in 2014, where he worked on post-16 pathways, improving educational performance and overseeing schools in North East Fife.

In 2018, he was seconded from Fife Council to the Scottish Government as a professional advisor to work on the National Improvement Framework. He subsequently joined North Lanarkshire Council where, before taking on the role of deputy chief executive, he held the post of executive director of education, children and families leading on all aspects of education, children’s services and justice services; community learning and development; post-16 employability; financial inclusion and active creative communities.

More recently, he has also overseen the Enterprise and Communities Directorate, with responsibilities for Strategic Capital Development, Economic Development, Corporate Property, Housing, Procurement, Regulatory Services, Parks and Roads.

In his leisure time Derek Brown is a frequent visitor to the Highlands, which he and his family love to explore. He loves absorbing himself in the literature, history and heritage of the area. He is currently learning Gaelic, which he hopes to have opportunities to improve in his new role.

Derek Brown said: “The Highlands are close to my heart, and it is an honour and privilege to take on this role, with the opportunity to work with staff, elected members and our partners, to make a real difference to outcomes in Highland.

“I am looking forward to getting out and about and listening to our staff, elected members and communities and learn as much as I can about how the Council can help and support improving people’s lives.

“I am aware there are some very real challenges in this region, as well as enormous potential and I am excited to work together with partners to realise that potential.”

Highland Council convener, Councillor Bill Lobban, said: “I would like to welcome Derek to the Highlands and am sure that my fellow elected Members and the public will wish him every success as he takes up the reins as chief executive of our council”

Leader of the council, Councillor Raymond Bremner added: “I am delighted to welcome Derek to his new role, and I very much look forward to working with him to provide improved, quality services to the people of the Highlands.”