Glasgow Life appoints Nicola Thomson as Head of Marketing and Communications
Glasgow Life, the charity that leads culture, events, and active living in Glasgow, has today (Friday 31 January 2026) announced the appointment of Nicola Thomson as Head of Marketing and Communications.
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.
Her appointment follows an extensive and competitive recruitment process and she will take up her new position from Monday 16 February 2026.
A strategic and values-driven leader, Nicola has shaped integrated marketing communications activity, high-profile international campaigns, and innovative commercial performance for major organisations worldwide.
She has worked both agency and client side 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.
As a Fellow of The Marketing Society, throughout her career Nicola has held a deep commitment to inspiring marketing and communications excellence, leading and supporting geographically dispersed, high-performing teams. During her time with Edrington she embedded their successful global Marketing Excellence and Marketing Graduate programmes, creating a structured development framework and culture of shared learning and best practice among a 400+ marketing workforce worldwide.
Nicola joins Glasgow Life with a passion for accessible culture and sport. Outside of work, she 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 said: “I’m incredibly proud to be joining Glasgow Life at a time when culture, sport, community, and shared experiences have never been more important. Throughout my career I’ve used the power of creative, values-led marketing communications to bring people together, build trust, and deliver genuine social impact. Glasgow Life’s mission strongly resonates with me, and I’m excited to work with colleagues, partners, and Glasgow’s communities to tell our charity’s stories in bold, authentic, and engaging ways.”
Jan Buchanan, Director of Finance and Corporate Services at Glasgow Life, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Nicola to our senior management team. She brings a rare combination of strategic 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. Nicola will be central to strengthening our profile and brand voice, growing our audience and reach, and ensuring our charity continues to connect meaningfully with the people of Glasgow and beyond.”