Iain Gulland to step down as chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland

Gulland became the organisation’s first chief executive in in 2014, overseeing its transition from WRAP Scotland.

Prior to this, he had been director of WRAP Scotland since 2008.

Gulland said: “I have been privileged to be part of Zero Waste Scotland for over a decade and work with so many passionate and professional colleagues over those years.

“I can look back with pride at the development of the organisation and the impact it has had on building a circular economy.

“There is still much to do, but I leave the organisation in the capable hands of a strong leadership team ready to take the organisation forward into a new era as Scotland’s circular economy public body.

“This felt like the right time to step down, Zero Waste Scotland is ready for a new person for this new era.

“I am grateful for the long-standing support of the Scottish government in building Zero Waste Scotland over the years, and to our many partners across the public, private, community and academic sectors with whom we have built great relationships leading to real progress towards circularity.”

Prior to joining WRAP, Gulland served in leadership roles at Community Recycling Network Scotland (now Circular Communities Scotland) and the Recycling Advisory Group Scotland.

He will continue in his roles as president of the Association of Cities and Regions for Resource Management (ACR+) and a fellow of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).

Recruitment of next chief executive

The Zero Waste Scotland board – alongside the Scottish government – is now in the process of recruiting its next chief executive.

The process is expected to wrap up in late 2025, at which point Gulland will formally step down.

Chair of the Zero Waste Scotland Board, Dominic Fry paid tribute to the outgoing chief executive: “Iain has played an exceptionally influential role in the development of resources and recycling policy and practice in Scotland, and beyond.

“As its founder, Iain shaped Zero Waste Scotland from its origins as an independent company in 2014 and led its successful transition to a Non-Departmental Public Body of the Scottish Government in 2024.

“Iain has been responsible for developing Zero Waste Scotland into Scotland’s champion for the circular economy.

“The Board thanks him for his steadfast commitment, passion and leadership over many years and wishes him every success for the future.

“We acknowledge his contribution in steering Zero Waste Scotland to many achievements in building the circular economy, including significant investment in developing circular business, building local authority recycling, supporting community sector reuse and shaping Scottish Government policy which has ultimately led to our Circular Economy (Scotland) Act and the live development of Scotland’s first Circular Economy Strategy.”

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