Sustrans, the charity making it easier for people to walk, wheel, and cycle, has announced that Moray Macdonald has been selected as its new Chair of Trustees.
Moray, who currently sits on the Board, replaces outgoing chair Lynne Berry CBE who is stepping down after four and half years.
He brings with him over 25 years of experience and an award-winning record of innovation and delivery in public affairs and public relations. This includes acting as a senior political adviser in Scotland and New Zealand.
Moray said he was excited to take on the new role, to build on past successes of the organisation and to ensure that real change is enacted in communities across the UK.
Moray said: “Active travel has never been higher up the policy agenda across the UK. As I take over the Chair, I’m excited to build on our past success and make sure this renewed passion for active travel is transformed into real change for communities across the country. Sustrans has a bold agenda to make our neighbourhoods healthier and happier for everyone.
“Our first step will be to refresh our strategy to reflect the post-lockdown world – a world where remote working has been normalised for millions of people and we’ve all been reminded of the value of the places we call home.
“Over the longer term we’ll strengthen our expertise to make sure we remain the first point of call for governments, councils and communities who need advice and help to make an impact with active travel. And I will give our tremendous volunteers, employees and trustees all the support they need to continue championing cities and towns that are designed around people rather than cars.”
Moray is currently Group Head of Public Policy at international business communications consultancy Instinctif Partners.
He previously worked at Weber Shandwick, where as Managing Director he led the agency’s content production studios across the UK and Europe. And for eight years he was Managing Director of the firm’s three offices in Scotland.
In 2019 Moray completed two terms as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Scouts Scotland.
Moray is a regular panellist on the ‘Shereen Show’ on BBC Radio Scotland and on BBC Scotland’s ‘Seven Days’ news review programme.
He added: “It should be the norm for people to live in a place they can get around by walking, cycling or wheeling. Every person, no matter where they live, should have easy access to outdoor spaces that are safe, pleasant and energising to be in.”
Xavier Brice, CEO of Sustrans, said of Moray’s appointment: “I am delighted to welcome Moray as Chair of Trustees. Moray brings a wealth of experience in helping a range of organisations deliver their vision – and Sustrans vision has never been more important or more urgent.
“Moray has been appointed at a time when there is a pressing need for greener, cheaper and more pleasant ways to travel. With rising fuel prices, a climate emergency and our places still too dominated by cars, we all need truly sustainable transport that can create healthier places and happier lives for everyone now – nothing short of an active travel revolution.
“The Board of Trustees and all at Sustrans are profoundly grateful to outgoing Chair Lynne, for her leadership and passion in her tenure and wish her well for the future.
“I am looking forward to working with Moray and our refreshed Board at Sustrans to help deliver this revolution across the UK for everyone.”
