One of Scotland’s biggest charities has appointed Kay Morrison, chief executive of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, to the top job.

Morrison will take up the chief executive role at Glasgow Life on 7 July.

She succeeds Susan Deighan, who helped found the charity in 2007 and will retire in June after more than three years as chief executive.

Glasgow Life, which runs leisure and culture activities and venues across the city, including libraries, museums and sports centres, had an income of £175m in the year to the end of March 2024.

Morrison has been the chief executive of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture for the past three years. 

Prior to this, she was the chief executive of the Falkirk Foundation, the official charity partner of Falkirk Football Club. 

Morrison has also worked for multiple councils, according to her LinkedIn profile, including Aberdeenshire Council and East Lothian Council.

Glasgow Life said Morrison is a “passionate advocate for inclusion and reducing inequalities” who is “known for her commitment to enhancing community wellbeing through the power of culture and sport, as well as her contribution to developing national policy and direction for the sector”.

Morrison said: “Glasgow Life offers rich sources of hope, meaning and social connection to the people of Glasgow and visitors to the city.

“I’m looking forward to working with my talented colleagues and partners to deliver a fair and inclusive future for local communities and ensuring our vision remains integral to the city’s social and economic wellbeing, as well as building on Glasgow’s impressive global profile.”

Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Kay is an inspiring leader with a deep understanding of the vital role our charity plays across Glasgow’s communities, and her experience, knowledge and networks make her the ideal person to lead Glasgow Life as we look to a positive and ambitious future.”

Susanne Millar, chief executive of Glasgow City Council, said Morrison brings a wealth of experience and a “clear commitment to Glasgow”, adding: “Susan Deighan has made an incredible contribution to Glasgow Life and to our city, and I know Kay is ready to build on that success.”