Christine McLaughlin

Christine McLaughlin was appointed Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director-General Health and Social Care in September 2026.

Christine has been interim Director General since the retirement of Caroline Lamb in August 2026.  She previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Scotland and has held a number of Director roles in the Scottish Government spanning Population Health, the Covid-19 response, Finance and Digital.  

Christine began her career as a management trainee in NHS Scotland and is a chartered public finance accountant.  She held senior finance roles in NHS Scotland and has worked across the UK in management consulting roles, delivering major public service transformation, before joining the Scottish Government in 2010.  She is passionate about improving health through preventative action and championing digital and innovative solutions to improve the quality and effectiveness of care.