Chief Executive of The Crichton Trust to step down

After nearly 8 years at the helm, Gwilym Gibbons has announced that he will step down from his role as Chief Executive of The Crichton Trust in May 2026 to embark on a new role as Chief Executive of Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium.

Gwilym, who joined The Crichton Trust in April 2018, said in a personal letter of resignation to the Board that it is a “deeply personal decision” to move on. He said: “As I approach eight years in post, I have made the deeply personal decision to step down from my role as Chief Executive of The Crichton Trust. It is not a decision I have taken lightly, and it is with a heavy heart, yet genuine excitement for the new challenges ahead.

I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to the Board, our partners, and, most importantly, the entire staff team. Their support and dedication have meant more to me than I can fully express. It has been an honour to lead such an innovative organisation and a privilege to work alongside colleagues whose passion, creativity, and commitment continually inspire me.

The Trust, following a period of significant challenge and transition, is now in a much stronger position to face the future, so it feels like a good time for a new leader with fresh energy and perspective to lead the organisation through the next stage of its journey. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and immensely proud of what we have achieved together. I have every confidence that The Crichton Trust will continue to evolve and thrive, and I will continue to champion the work of The Crichton Trust for many years to come.”

In his new role as Chief Executive of Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh from May 2026, Gwilym will work to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to understand, care for, and feel connected to the planet at a time of climate and ecological crisis.

Dr David Hall, Chair of The Crichton Trust, thanked Gwilym for his exceptional leadership. He said:
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Gwilym for his outstanding service over the past eight years. He has led The Crichton Trust through a period of significant growth and challenge with remarkable innovation, tenacity and ambition. His leadership has placed the Trust on a much stronger footing for the future, and we are extremely grateful for his vision and dedication. We wish Gwilym every success in his new role at Dynamic Earth.”

Adding:
“We all know that The Crichton is a stunning and special place. As well as boasting a unique portfolio of services, a passionate and experienced team, a diverse and dedicated Board of Trustees and a growing number of partners and tenants, The Crichton Trust is in an exciting period of growth, with several major capital projects and new opportunities in the pipeline. It is therefore imperative that we now appoint another high calibre CEO, who has the vision, qualities and skills to lead us through the next phase in our development and to plan for the future.”

Details about the role and the recruitment process will be publicised shortly to ensure there is a smooth transition in leadership at The Crichton Trust next year.