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Leslie Evans to replace Sir Peter Housden.

Following an open competition, Leslie Evans has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, replacing Sir Peter Housden.

Leslie Evans, currently Director General Learning & Justice in the Scottish Government, will take up the post on July 1, 2015.

Sir Peter announced his intention to leave the Scottish Government in January this year, after five years in post.

Leslie joined the Scottish Government in September 2000, and has held a number of posts including Director of Culture, External Affairs and Tourism and Director General Education. Before joining the Scottish Government, she spent 20 years working in local authorities in England and Scotland.

The competition was conducted by the First Civil Service Commissioner in accordance with the Civil Service’s recruitment principles, which provide for an open competition on merit, with the First Minister invited to choose between those candidates deemed suitable for appointment.

Leslie Evans said: “It is a privilege for me to undertake this role, following Sir Peter, who is leaving the organisation in such good heart. I’m very much looking forward to working closely with my civil service colleagues, our partners in the public, third and private sectors, and the UK Government, to meet the challenges and realise the opportunities that lie ahead for Scotland.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “As the new Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, Leslie brings a vast amount of experience from across the public sector to the role. I look forward to working with Leslie in her new role as Scotland’s most senior civil servant, to deliver outstanding public services and the very best for the people of Scotland.”

Sir Peter said: “Leslie Evans is an outstanding public servant whose leadership, experience and impact on Scotland and the UK is widely recognised.”

Sir Jeremy Heywood, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service said: "I am delighted that Leslie will be the new Permanent Secretary supporting the Scottish Government. Leslie brings with her a wealth of experience in public service delivery and I very much look forward to working with her as part of the senior leadership of the UK Civil Service.”