Zero Waste Scotland announces two new Non‑Executive Board Members
Zero Waste Scotland is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison McRae and Mary Michel to its Board as Non‑Executive Members, with both commencing their tenure immediately.
Alison McRae is Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, where she leads major strategic partnerships designed to foster sustainable economic development across the Glasgow City Region. In 2015, she launched Circular Glasgow, an internationally recognised and celebrated initiative that equips businesses to adopt circular economy practices and has helped establish Glasgow as a leading centre for circular innovation.
Alison also serves as a Non‑Executive Director with the British Chambers of Commerce, Co‑Chairs the Glasgow Employment and Skills Board, contributes to several UK‑wide business and climate advisory groups, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Her previous non‑executive posts include Directorship of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and serving as Independent Chair of the Argyll & Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership.
Mary Michel is the Co‑Founder and Director of Ostrero, an organisation dedicated to advancing Scotland’s circular economy by driving education, awareness, and cultural change. She works with a wide range of partners to embed circular thinking, develop innovative circular solutions, and deliver positive environmental and social impact.
Mary brings to the role extensive experience in fostering system-wide change, championing the benefits of circular approaches, and strengthening organisational governance. She currently serves as a Trustee of Circular Communities Scotland and her previous roles include Director of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths and the Scottish Goldsmiths’ Trust, as well as Trustee positions with the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland and Craft Scotland.
Both join Zero Waste Scotland’s existing Non-Executive Board Directors (NEDs) including Catherine Corbett, Seigo Robinson, Amitoj Singh, Richard Peach, and Board Chair, Dominic Fry.
Members of the Board of Zero Waste Scotland, including the Chair, are appointed by the Scottish Ministers in line with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Public Appointments in Scotland. The Chair and Board Members are accountable to the Scottish Ministers and also to the Scottish Parliament and may be required to give evidence to Parliamentary Committees.
The Board has overall responsibility for the delivery of the functions of Zero Waste Scotland, as set above, in accordance with the aims, policies and priorities of the Scottish Ministers.
Dominic Fry, Board Chair of Zero Waste Scotland, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Alison McRae and Mary Michel to our Board. Both bring exceptional experience, vision, and a deep commitment to Scotland’s circular economy ambitions.
“Alison’s strategic leadership and thorough understanding of the business landscape, combined with Mary’s expertise in circular education, advocacy, and system change, is sure to galvanise Zero Waste Scotland’s work in accelerating our transition to a more resource‑efficient, resilient, and future-proof economy.”
Alison McRae, Non-Executive Board Member of Zero Waste Scotland, said:
“It is a great honour to join the Board of Zero Waste Scotland at such a pivotal moment for both the organisation and Scotland’s wider climate journey.
“Through more than a decade of work developing Circular Glasgow, I have seen first-hand the innovation, investment and economic opportunities that a transition to a circular economy can unlock for our cities and businesses.
“I am deeply passionate about Zero Waste Scotland’s mission and look forward to bringing my commercial and economic development experience to the Board to help accelerate Scotland’s shift towards a more circular and sustainable economy.”
Mary Michel, Non-Executive Board Member of Zero Waste Scotland, said:
"I am really looking forward to joining the Board of Zero Waste Scotland at an exciting time for the Circular Economy both in Scotland and further afield. I hope that my experience of working in education and with community groups and SMEs, can contribute to Zero Waste Scotland's mission to rewire our economy for people and planet."