The Scottish Police Authority has today, Friday 20 June 2025, announced that Chris Brown will take over as the Authority’s next Chief Executive in October 2025.
Chris Brown is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. He has been the Authority’s Deputy Chief Executive for Resources since April 2021. Prior to this Chris spent three years with Police Scotland, establishing and leading its Financial Planning and Analysis function and two decades in senior roles in financial services including with the NatWest Group (formally RBS).
Chris’ appointment follows a robust recruitment and selection process. He will take over the responsibilities of Chief Executive and Accountable Officer from outgoing Chief Executive Lynn Brown, following her retirement, on 1 October 2025.
The Chief Executive is the principal advisor to the Board of the Scottish Police Authority and Accountable Officer for a policing budget of over £1.6 billion.
Announcing the appointment, Fiona McQueen, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority said:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Brown as the next Chief Executive of the Scottish Police Authority. Chris has played an essential leadership role driving financial and organisational improvement at the Authority over the last 4 years. He has a strong record of building collaborative relationships with stakeholders across the criminal justice sector and brings a wealth of leadership experience to the post.”
Speaking about the appointment, Chris Brown said:
“I am delighted to be taking over as Chief Executive of the Scottish Police Authority in October 2025. The Authority is an essential part of the policing system, working to support and deliver effective oversight and scrutiny of policing. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and leadership teams across policing to continue this important work.”
BACKGROUND
Chris Brown - Biography
Before joining the Scottish Police Authority in April 2021, Chris spent three years with Police Scotland, establishing and leading its Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) function.
He joined policing after 20 years working in financial services where he held senior roles in the NatWest Group (formerly RBS) covering global restructuring and cost reduction, leading the transformation strategy for the bank’s retail business, and the review, challenge and approval of major bank-wide investments.
He also spent time working for insurers AXA and XL Catlin when based in London and has been a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants since 2003.
Recruitment Process
The Authority launched a recruitment process, across the UK, seeking the next Chief Executive from 9 April 2025 until 4 May 7 February 2025. The roles were open to all applicants who could demonstrate the skills and experience pertinent to the requirements of the role.
The assessment process for shortlisted candidates included psychometric testing and an interview with the selection panel.
The Selection Panel was chaired by Fiona McQueen, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority and included:
- Mary Pitcaithly, Board Member of the Scottish Police Authority
- Don McGillivary, Director of Safer Communities, Scottish Government
- Gregory Colgan, Chief Executive of Dundee City Council, Independent Member
This is a permanent appointment, effective from 1 October 2025. The salary is £151,816 (under review).
