George Watson's College have announced the appointment of Lisa Kerr as the new Principal of George Watson's College, succeeding Melvyn Roffe in August 2024.
Lisa is a well-known and highly respected figure in Scottish education, having been Principal of Gordonstoun since 2017 where she has led a programme of capital investment, academic improvement and international development. She will also bring business expertise to the leadership of the School as, before Headship, she enjoyed a distinguished career in commercial media, including leading the radio sector through digital transition, having begun in broadcasting at Radio Forth and Classic FM. This was followed by several years working in strategic consultancy where Lisa worked with infrastructure businesses undergoing transformational change.
Lisa attended the City of Edinburgh Music School, studied music at the University of York, and recently served as a Vice Chair of Scottish Opera. She has been a governor of three schools and served on the boards of several regulatory bodies including at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. A Deputy Lieutenant of Moray, Lisa has recently been appointed as a member of the Board of HMC – the Head’s Conference.
Lisa is married to John, a Royal Marines Reserves Officer and skiing and mountain bike instructor, and they have three children. She is very much looking forward to returning to her home city to lead Watson’s whilst experiencing the cultural life of the capital.
Lisa and Melvyn will work closely together in the coming months to ensure a seamless handover in 2024 and maintain the positive momentum that continues to characterise the work of the School.