Iain Gulland, founding chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS), is stepping down from his role after 11 years.
The announcement comes as Scotland takes the next step in its circular economy transition, with the recently passed Circular Economy (Scotland) Act.
It provides legislative powers to support Scotland’s transition to zero waste and significantly increase reuse and recycling rates and modernising waste and recycling services.
“Iain has played an exceptionally influential role in the development of resources and recycling policy and practice in Scotland, and beyond,” said Dominic Fry, chair of the Zero Waste Scotland board.
“As its founder, Iain shaped ZWS from its origins as an independent company in 2014 and led its successful transition towards becoming a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government in April 2025.”
Under Mr Gulland’s leadership, ZWS has administered significant funding programmes including the £18 million Circular Economy Investment Fund and the £70 million Recycling Improvement Fund, which has supported 48 projects across 27 council areas.
The Recycling Improvement Fund alone is expected to increase annual recycling by approximately 60,000 tonnes, equivalent to removing 32,000 cars from the road.
Mr Gulland’s career-to-date in sustainable resource management spans more than 25 years, beginning with his leadership of Community Recycling Network Scotland until 2008, followed by his role as WRAP Scotland’s Director from 2008 to 2014.
He said: “This felt like the right time to step down, Zero Waste Scotland is ready for a new person for this new era.
“I am grateful for the long-standing support of the Scottish Government in building Zero Waste Scotland over the years, and to our many partners across the public, private, community and academic sectors with whom we have built great relationships leading to real progress towards circularity.
In a social media post, he said: “Deciding to step down from the role of chief rxecutive at Zero Waste Scotland was of course a difficult decision. But one I believe is right for me and right for the organisation.
“But it’s time for me to seek new ventures and to allow Zero Waste Scotland to seek new leadership to drive the organisation forward in its new era as a formal public body.
“When the time comes, I will leave an organisation in very good health with a strong leadership team in place, a significant track record of delivery, a profile which is both trusted and admired by partners at home and abroad, and an organisation with a vision and an appetite to Re-wire the economy for a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.
“For now it is very much business as usual. I remain committed to my duties as CEO and to my responsibilities as an Accountable Officer, continuing to work alongside colleagues, partners and Government to maintain momentum.”
Mr Gulland will formally step down towards the end of 2025 after the Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland board find a successor.
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