CEO of VisitScotland to retire

Malcolm Roughead OBE, CEO of VisitScotland, is to retire after more than 20 years with the national tourism organisation.

Mr Roughead first joined in May 2001 as Director of Marketing and was appointed Chief Executive in September 2010. He will retire later this year.

Under his leadership, VisitScotland has worked to grow Scotland’s visitor economy through award-winning marketing, events, destination development and business support.

Mr Roughead put responsible tourism at the forefront of the organisation’s work. VisitScotland became the first national tourism organisation to declare a climate emergency and was on the drafting committee of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

Mr Roughead said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to have led such a talented team for so long. “From the challenges of foot and mouth, 9/11 and Covid, to the opportunities of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, it has been a fascinating journey. “I have no doubt that the organisation will continue to go from strength to strength and I look forward to supporting the transition over the next few months before my retirement.”

Lord Thurso, Chair of VisitScotland, said: “Malcolm’s leadership of VisitScotland has been exemplary through some very difficult times. “His achievements in promoting Scotland as a destination and a brand, in turn driving Scotland’s economy, have been outstanding. “I would like to thank him for all that he has contributed over the years and I wish him the very best for his retirement.”

A recruitment process for a new Chief Executive will begin as soon as possible.