Heritage charity appoints trustee as interim director

Edinburgh World Heritage has appointed Megan Veronesi, a freelance consultant with 15 years of experience in the charity sector, as its interim director.

Veronesi, who is a trustee of the heritage charity, takes up the role from Christina Sinclair, who stepped down in December after four years to pursue other opportunities.

Veronesi, who took up the post on 8 January, has been a full-time freelance consultant since October 2024, but has supported clients on a part-time basis since 2023. 

Before freelancing, Veronesi was the head of business development and innovation at Firstport for Social Entrepreneurs Group, Scotland’s development agency for start-up social enterprises, where she worked for more than five years.

She has also held leadership roles including head of charity partnerships at Farewill and at Royal Trinity Hospice.

Veronesi has been a trustee of EWH since 2020. 

The charity said it followed guidance from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator in making her appointment as interim chief and found there was no requirement for her to step down from the board. 

Edinburgh World Heritage said it had policies in place to handle any conflicts of interest. 

Veronesi said: “Through conservation, engagement and advocacy, the organisation plays a critical role in the protection of the capital’s historic environment, and in retaining the character which makes Edinburgh such a special place I’m proud to call home. 

“It is a privilege to have the chance to work closer with the talented team in an operational capacity, and I look forward to deepening my relationships with key stakeholders, partners, organisations and communities across the city.”

Paul Jardine, vice-chair of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “We are delighted to welcome Megan into this vital role at the heart of the organisation. She brings a wealth of experience to the organisation.

“We thank Christina for her contribution to the organisation, and for navigating the difficulties presented during the pandemic.”

Edinburgh World Heritage said it planned to begin recruitment for a permanent director this month, with the process expected to take between three and four months.