Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has appointed Catherine Topley as its new chief executive.

Topley will assume her post in early July. She will succeed Geoff Ogle, who will retire after 11 years leading Scotland’s food regulator since its establishment in 2015. Topley’s appointment follows a “robust and transparent” public appointments process.

According to FSS, Topley is an “accomplished public-sector leader with significant experience” in transformational change, corporate strategy and delivering public value.

She currently serves as chief executive of the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), and has previously held senior leadership roles in the Scottish Police Authority and the Scottish Prison Service. She will join FSS shortly after the launch of its five-year strategy, which will aim to deliver a food system that is safe, authentic and healthier.

Topley has served as a trustee of Sight Scotland and Veterans Scotland, and her broader career spans financial services, manufacturing, engineering and justice.

FSS chair, Heather Kelman, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Catherine Topley as the new chief executive of Food Standards Scotland. She brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strong track record of delivering change and public value at an important time for the organisation.

“Food Standards Scotland plays a vital role in protecting public health, and I am confident Catherine will lead the organisation with clarity, ambition and purpose, building on its strong foundations.”

Topley stated: “I am very pleased to be appointed as chief executive of Food Standards Scotland. The organisation plays a critical role in ensuring food in Scotland is safe and standards remain high.

“I look forward to working with colleagues and partners to build on the organisation’s strong foundations, strengthen collaboration and continue delivering for the people of Scotland.”