Paul Lawrance

Monday, 28 April 2025 - Arts Festivals Summit 2025

Paul Lawrence is the Chief Executive at the City of Edinburgh Council and is the Council’s lead officer for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

Paul was previously the Executive Director of Place, with responsibility for Economic Development, Environmental services, Culture, Housing, Planning & building standards, Parks and Greenspaces, Regulatory Services and Transport.

Paul joined the Council in late 2015. Prior to this, he was the Corporate Director for Place at Stockport Council – one of the ten local authorities in the Greater Manchester city region, with a similar range of responsibilities. 

Paul started his working life in the cultural sector, before being appointed as Head of Cultural and Economic Development at Newcastle City Council in 2000. He later became Assistant Chief Executive with responsibility for Economic Policy, City Region Partnerships, and Corporate Communications.