Susan Deacon CBE

Appointed August 2021

Susan has more than 30 years’ experience in organisational development and change. She has held leadership roles across the public, private, and third sectors. She's also held roles in academia and politics.

She is currently Chair of Lothian Buses Ltd, the UK’s largest municipally owned bus company. Susan is also a Senior Adviser and Professorial Fellow with the University of Edinburgh and Lead Non-Executive Director with the Scotland Office of the UK Government.

Susan has served on the boards of a range of businesses and charities, including in energy, health and the arts. She is a past Chair of the Scottish Police Authority and of the Institute of Directors in Scotland. An MSP from 1999-2007, she was the first Cabinet Minister for Health following the creation of the Scottish Parliament.

Susan was awarded a CBE in 2017 for services to business, education and public service.