New Chief Executive joins Public Health Scotland

Paul Johnston has today joined Public Health Scotland (PHS) as the new Chief Executive.  

Announcing the appointment late last year, Angiolina Foster, Chair of PHS, said:

"Paul has a wealth of public sector leadership experience, and has driven forward significant initiatives across many of the building blocks of health, including housing, justice, human rights, and education.

“This expertise is coupled with an unwavering commitment to tackling inequalities and improving outcomes for people and communities.”

Paul has joined from Scottish Government, where he was a Director General since June 2015. In his most recent role as Director General for Communities, Paul led a portfolio that included social security, housing, local government, equality, human rights and public service reform. Paul was part of the Scottish Government’s Executive Team and led cross-government work on tackling child poverty and COVID-19 recovery. He has worked in a variety of roles across government since 2000, beginning his career as a lawyer.

Paul Johnston, new Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland, said:

“I’m delighted to be joining Public Health Scotland today. I have seen at first hand the excellent work of PHS through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a great privilege to play a part in the next steps for PHS, as we work with our many partners to deliver on the ambitions set out in the new Strategic Plan and strive for a Scotland where everybody thrives.”

This appointment comes following the announcement that Angela Leitch will retire later in March.

Find out more about Paul Johnston on our Board Members webpage

View Public Health Scotland’s Strategic Plan for 2022 to 2025