Ciaran McGuigan has been appointed as chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS), the organisation announced today (21 January). McGuigan, who has served as Finance and Corporate Services Director since 2021, succeeds founding chief executive Iain Gulland, who recently departed after 11 years leading the organisation.

McGuigan, whose appointment was approved by the Scottish Government, will formally take up the position from 1 February 2026.

"I'm absolutely delighted to welcome Ciaran's promotion to the role of Chief Executive," said Dominic Fry, Chair of Zero Waste Scotland. "In the four years since joining Zero Waste Scotland, Ciaran has had a significant positive impact on the organisation, preparing us for transition to Non-Departmental Body status and shaping the ambitious Corporate Plan we are fully engaged on."

ZWS transition

McGuigan's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the organisation. ZWS completed its transition to become a Non-Departmental Public Body of the Scottish Government on 1 April 2025, which followed passing of the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024.

The organisation's Corporate Plan for 2024-2030 sets out targets to reduce Scotland's extraction of raw materials by one-third by 2030. According to the plan, Scotland's material consumption has reached 22 tonnes per person – nearly three times what is considered the sustainable level.

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin, commented: "I want to welcome Ciaran McGuigan to the role of Zero Waste Scotland Chief Executive and thank Iain Gulland for his long service to the organisation. The Scottish Government is committed to achieving a more circular economy – one where we keep materials and goods in use for as long as possible – and Zero Waste Scotland is a key partner in supporting us with this ambition."

McGuigan brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services to the role, with previous positions at Phoenix Group and Standard Life. According to ZWS, he has experience in finance and risk management and has led finance, business change and transformation programmes.

During his time as Finance and Corporate Services Director, McGuigan was the Senior Responsible Owner for ZWS's transition to public body status and contributed to the development of its Corporate Plan to 2030. He appeared alongside Gulland and other senior leaders at the Scottish Parliament's Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee in May 2025.

"It is a huge privilege for me to have the opportunity to lead Zero Waste Scotland into our next phase as we grow the circular economy, create skilled green jobs, help regenerate communities, and deliver a resilient and prosperous economy that reduces our climate impact," McGuigan said.

ZWS’s new chief executive takes the helm as Scotland aims to implement its Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030, published in December 2024, which sets out 11 priority actions for accelerating the country's circular economy transition. The Scottish Government is also consulting on a draft circular economy strategy to 2045, with the final strategy due for publication later this year.

McGuigan added: "I'm very much looking forward to continuing to work closely with our Board, with Scottish Government, and, of course, the many key sectors and stakeholders who are vital to the delivery of Scotland's circular economy ambitions."