Appointment of Glasgow Life’s new Head of Marketing and Communications

Dear colleagues

Following an extensive and competitive recruitment process, I am pleased to let you know that we have appointed Nicola Thomson as Glasgow Life’s new Head of Marketing and Communications. She will take up her post on Monday 16 February 2026.

A native Scot, from Edinburgh, Nicola brings more than 30 years of global marketing, communications, and digital experience, having worked across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Nike, Unilever, Adidas, and Edrington. 

Closer to home, Nicola has led significant brand transformation and sustainable growth strategies for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Standard Life. Most recently, she served as Edrington’s USA Brand Director for Wyoming Whiskey, where she delivered standout reputational results and strong profit margins. 

A strategic and values-driven leader, Nicola brings a rare combination of brand leadership and commercial acumen together with an outstanding depth of global marketing and communications experience, and a clear passion for Glasgow Life’s work and our role in the city.

She has worked in Tokyo, Melbourne, Boston, Amsterdam, and London, and has a strong track record of aligning company vision and purpose with audience insight, creative execution, and rigorous evaluation to build brand trust, engagement and impact.

Outside of work, Nicola is a former Scottish squad volleyball player and keen long-distance runner who has completed over 50 marathons. She has also spent more than 15 years volunteering in the charity sector and contributing to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives. 

Nicola is looking forward to working with you and your teams, as well as with our partners and communities, to tell Glasgow Life’s stories in bold, authentic ways, and ensuring our charity continues to connect meaningfully with the people of Glasgow. I know you will join me in congratulating her and offer her your every support when she starts with us.

This information will be published on our website and LinkedIn on Friday morning. 
 
Best regards

Jan

Jan Buchanan
Director of Finance and Corporate Services