Our structure
Overview
Public Health Scotland is led by Paul Johnston, Chief Executive Officer.
It is made up of four directorates:
- Data and Digital Innovation
- Place and Wellbeing
- Clinical and Protecting Health
- Strategy, Governance and Performance

Paul Johnston
Chief Executive
Paul was appointed Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland in March 2023. Prior to this role, Paul spent eight years as a member of the Executive Team and Corporate Board in the Scottish Government. His responsibilities covered many areas of social policy that impact on health. He was Director General for Education and Justice between 2015 and 2021.
Paul became Director General for Communities in 2021 with responsibility for social security, housing, equality, human rights, local government and public service reform.
Paul is a qualified lawyer and joined the Scottish Government in 2000, holding a range of legal and policy roles including a secondment as a Director in the UK Government.
Our Chief Officers
Our Chief Officers work across PHS to drive major cross-organisational programmes.

George's leadership portfolio includes Test and Protect, National Care Service, Organisational Change, Shared Services and future arrangements for a National Respiratory Surveillance function. The portfolio adapts to current business requirements and is subject to change.
George's background includes extensive public services leadership, having operated in Director level roles within local government, UK senior civil service and NHS Scotland.

Manira’s leadership portfolio includes: Climate Change & Sustainability, Long COVID, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Whole Systems Modelling and our ambition in supporting Children & Young People. The portfolio adapts to current business requirements and is subject to change.
Manira’s background includes systems leadership across local, regional and national arenas, supporting cross-sector collaborative decision making to improve health and well-being of communities. Manira has had a varied career history spanning both private and public sectors.