Scottish Forestry announces new chief executive

Dr David Signorini will take over from Jo O’Hara from mid-December

Scottish Forestry has announced its new Chief Executive is to be Dr David Signorini.

He is currently the deputy director of the Scottish Government’s Housing and Social Justice Directorate and head of the Better Homes division.

Signorini will take over from outgoing Chief Executive Jo O’Hara after a hand-over period beginning on 16 December.

Scottish Forestry is the recently formed Scottish Government agency for managing and delivering forestry policy and regulation.

It was formed on 1 April 2019 after the devolution of forestry powers to Scottish Ministers was completed.

Commenting on his appointment to the role, Signorini said: “I am really pleased to be joining Scottish Forestry.

“The opportunity to join an organisation that is less than a year old, but which has a century of experience and knowledge behind it is very exciting, particularly given the importance of Scottish Forestry’s role in the forestry industry and in helping to deliver Scotland’s Climate Change Action Plan.

“I'm very much looking forward to meeting and working with Scottish Forestry’s professional and knowledgeable staff and stakeholders. I would also like to thank Jo O’Hara for all the great work she has done during her tenure, particularly in guiding the organisation through a period of transition.

“Thanks to her efforts, and the efforts of all of the team at Scottish Forestry, I come into the role with a solid foundation upon which to build.”