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Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 19/09/2024

Cat Leaver announced as new Director


We have appointed Cat Leaver, Head of Brand and Global Marketing and former Director of Brand Scotland, as our new Director of Strategy and Competitive Intelligence.

The Director of Strategy and Competitive Intelligence is a new role which will focus on the development of a strategic insight and competitive intelligence programme to support Scotland’s tourism and events industry.

The directorate contributes to identifying and prioritising opportunities for sustainable economic growth to deliver on the aspirations and objectives of the industry strategies – Scotland Outlook 2030 and Scotland the Perfect Stage.

I’m excited to be taking on this new opportunity to work closely with colleagues, partners and stakeholders on the strategies which will drive growth in the visitor economy.

Having seen the positive impact and value of tourism and events, it’s an honour to be able to build on my previous roles and help shape our collective ambitions for our industry, and for Scotland as a whole.

Cat Leaver, incoming Director of Strategy and Competitive Intelligence

Cat’s appointment is the final in our new leadership structure which will support our new Chief Executive Officer Vicki Miller after she takes over on 1 October, after Malcolm Roughead retires.

The new leadership structure will strengthen our focus as an economic development agency, which drives investment and sustainable growth across Scotland.

Cat is an established leader, with a strong background in strategy development across both the public and private sectors.

As part of our new leadership team, she will play a pivotal role in supporting our industry through enhanced understanding of the global travel and events environment.

This work will help us prioritise the best opportunities for sustainable economic growth, driving investment and developing our tourism and events businesses.

I look forward to working with our new leadership team, stakeholders and tourism and event businesses to help us drive the visitor economy, growing its value to Scotland.

Vicki Miller, incoming Chief Executive Officer, VisitScotland

VisitScotland leadership team

Once Cat takes up position, the VisitScotland leadership team will consist of five functions.

Corporate Services

Ken Neilson is Director of Corporate Services. This directorate is responsible for VisitScotland’s internal operations and handles the organisation's day-to-day functions. It provides guidance and expertise to the rest of the organisation to ensure its smooth running.
Read more on the directorate.

Industry and Events

Rob Dickson is Director of Industry and Events. This directorate harnesses the power of partnerships, collaborating locally, nationally, and globally. It works to ensure tourism and events is seen as an important and valuable industry for Scotland.
Read more on the directorate.

Marketing and Digital

Jill Walker will take up the position of Director of Marketing and Digital on 21 October. This directorate promotes Scotland as a world-class destination, ensuring Scotland is seen as a must return year-round destination for leisure and business visitors.
Read more on Jill.

Strategy and Competitive Intelligence

Cat Leaver will take up position as Director of Strategy and Competitive Intelligence on 1 November. This directorate is responsible for providing a holistic view of the global travel and events environment through a comprehensive set of insights. Its work helps to identify and prioritise opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

People and Culture

Our People and Culture department is led by Lynn Jack. This department strives to make VisitScotland an employer of choice. They’re responsible for our People Strategy. The team nurtures a culture that focuses on collaboration, inclusion and fair work practices.

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