Glasgow Life appoints George Hunter as Director of Libraries, Sport and Physical Activity, and Communities
Glasgow Life, the charity that leads culture, events and active living in Glasgow, has today (Thursday 15 January) announced the appointment of George Hunter as Director of Libraries, Sport and Physical Activity, and Communities.
With 30 years’ experience working across local government, national economic development, and the wider public sector, George brings a strong track record of leading complex, highly-valued strategies and programmes that improve places, services and outcomes for communities.
Throughout his career, he has built productive networks and partnerships across Central Scotland, influencing and securing investment in dozens of transformational projects. His appointment follows an extensive and competitive recruitment process and he will take up his new post from Monday 9 February 2026.
George joins Glasgow Life from his role as Assistant Director of Communities at South Ayrshire Council, where he provided strategic leadership across a diverse service portfolio encompassing libraries, communities, sport and leisure, economic development and regeneration, and tourism.
His recent work includes delivering community-led placemaking approaches, leading major capital investment in local sports and leisure facilities, and securing and managing significant external funding to support inclusive growth, wellbeing, and financial inclusion priorities.
Previously, George held senior roles with Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire councils as well as with Scottish Enterprise and urban regeneration company, Riverside Inverclyde, leading large-scale cultural, tourism and economic regeneration projects including Growth Deals and nationally significant waterfront and town centre initiatives.
George said: “I’m delighted to be joining Glasgow Life at such an important time for the charity and the city. Glasgow has an outstanding reputation for delivering among the best libraries, sport, culture, and community services in Scotland, and Glasgow Life plays a vital role in that success, supporting local places, improving health and wellbeing, and tackling inequality.
“Throughout my career I’ve been motivated by the power of community-led services and inclusive placemaking, and I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues and partners to build on what is already a strong foundation. I’m committed to ensuring our libraries, sport and community services continue to evolve, remain accessible to all, and make a real difference for the people of Glasgow and visitors to the city.”
Kay Morrison, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: “I’m very pleased to welcome George to Glasgow Life. He brings exceptional experience as well as a deep commitment to ensuring local services genuinely respond to people’s needs. His strategic insight and collaborative approach will be a real asset to our charity as we strive to deliver programmes and experiences that support wellbeing, create opportunity and contribute to thriving, inclusive communities across Glasgow.”