Winning Scotland has announced the appointment of Richard Orr as its new Chief Executive.
He will be taking over from Zahra Hedges, who is stepping down after four years in which she has led the charity from strength to strength.
Rick has been part of Winning Scotland since 2006, most recently as the charity’s director of partnerships, leading its fundraising work and collaborating across the public, private, and third sectors. He previously held roles in communications, projects, business development, and fundraising.
He will formally take over from Zahra on 1 February, following a short transition period.
Zahra has grown Winning Scotland to reach more young people and develop new programmes, including the successful Planet Youth in Scotland pilot, leading our work with a passion for creating the conditions where every child in Scotland can thrive.
Richard Orr, Winning Scotland’s incoming Chief Executive, said:
“It has been a joy and a privilege to work at Winning Scotland for the past 20 years. Through a variety of roles I have seen first-hand how our work is empowering young people to have ambition, confidence, and self-belief.
“I have loved working side by side with Zahra over the past four years, and we have all benefited from her passion, integrity, and laser focus on improving the systems within which our children grow up.
“I am committed to continuing this work and supporting Winning Scotland to grow, reach more people, and boost understanding of how supporting adults to have more confidence and resilience reaps huge rewards for our children.”
Catherine Simpson, Winning Scotland’s chair, said:
“We are very grateful to Zahra for her leadership, dedication, and vision, which have all played a huge part in shaping the charity over the past four years.
“She has laid the foundation for continued success, and we wish her all the very best in her next chapter.
“Rick has been part of Winning Scotland since the beginning, and his commitment to, and understanding of, Winning Scotland is second to none. We know the charity will be in the safest of hands under his leadership.”