IoD Roundtable Breakfast with Paul Lawrence, Chief Exec Edinburgh Council

Having served as the Council’s Executive Director of Place since 2015, Paul Lawrence started his role as Chief Executive in 2024 with extensive experience running the city’s planning, housing, transport, regulatory services and environment services, as well as economic development and culture.

Paul began his local government career in 1990 as Arts Director for Durham City Council before moving to Northern Arts as Assistant Chief Executive in 1997. He went on to spend 10 years at Newcastle City Council as Head of Culture, and later Assistant Chief Executive, before becoming Corporate Director, Place, at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council in 2010

If you’d like to post a question in advance for Paul, please email -

PR-comms.Ambassador.Edinburgh@iod.com