Scottish Ministers have announced the appointment of the new chair of the Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) Board following a recruitment process.

Ann Allen will be formally appointed as chair from the start of October 2018.

Currently the director of estates at the University of Glasgow, where she joined in May 2012, Ann has over 30 years’ experience in working in property including working for major high street retailers, banking and central government. Her last role before joining the University was as head of asset management for John Lewis (2008 to 2012).

Karen Anderson, the current chair of A&DS, said: “Congratulations to Ann Allen on being appointed the new chair. I wish her all the best and know from my experience that she will enjoy working with the A&DS team, their partners and stakeholders. I will miss working directly with A&DS in promoting the importance of quality design in the built environment for our long-term sustainability and wellbeing. In this important task Ann will be supported by a group of talented and committed people, and a range of organisations and individuals who give their time and talent to help shape better buildings and places.”

Initially a chartered surveyor, Ann has focused on corporate property for the last 20 years. The role at the University of Glasgow however is one of the most fascinating and rewarding roles she has undertaken with an opportunity to make a real difference and leave a legacy through the campus development. In her current role she leads a department of 150 colleagues and works closely with colleagues across University Services.

Ann also uses her property knowledge to support other organisations and is a trustee of Ethical Property trust and has just taken up a role sitting on the property committee for the National Theatre of Scotland as well as being a member of the Board for Construction Scotland. She is also a governor at the local village primary school where she lives in North Yorkshire.

The appointment will be for up to four years in the first instance and is formally effective from October 1.