She steps into the role previously held by Christina Sinclair, who leaves the organisation after four years as director.

Megan Veronesi is a freelance consultant to charities and social enterprises. With a career spanning 15 years of key leadership roles in the charity, social enterprise and technology sectors, she has built expertise in strategy, business development, partnership building and programme design. She has a proven track record of helping organisations grow their business and their social impact.

Prior to this, Megan Veronesi worked as head of business development and innovation at the Firstport for Social Entrepreneurs Group, where she designed and managed multi-million-pound contracts to support start-up social enterprises across Scotland and the North of England. Her leadership experience also includes leading charity partnerships at Farewill, a venture-backed tech start-up, and heading communications at Royal Trinity Hospice. Megan has held several Board and NED positions, including over four years as a Trustee of Edinburgh World Heritage.

Edinburgh World Heritage is the independent charitable organisation responsible for protecting and promoting the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Working in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Environment Scotland, Edinburgh World Heritage looks after the city’s historic environment through conservation, engagement and advocacy, ensuring Edinburgh’s unique character remains something for all to enjoy.

Paul Jardine, vice chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “We are delighted to welcome Megan into this vital role at the heart of the organisation. She brings a wealth of experience to the organisation. Her arrival comes at an important moment as the City of Edinburgh Council approves the first stages of the Transient Visitor Levy, an intervention which could be transformative for Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site and its preservation and enhancement. We thank Christina for her contribution to the organisation, and for navigating the difficulties presented during the pandemic.”

Megan Veronesi added: “After over four years as a trustee, I’m delighted to begin a new chapter of my work with Edinburgh World Heritage as Interim Director. Through conservation, engagement and advocacy, the organisation plays a critical role in the protection of the capital’s historic environment, and in retaining the character which makes Edinburgh such a special place I’m proud to call home.

“It is a privilege to have the chance to work closer with the talented team in an operational capacity, and I look forward to deepening my relationships with key stakeholders, partners, organisations and communities across the city. An aim of my term in the role will be to appoint a permanent Director – look out for recruitment updates in the coming months.”