Our Founder and CEO, Kirsty Thomson, is stepping down

April 30, 2024
Our Founder and CEO, Kirsty Thomson, is stepping down

Our Founder and CEO, Kirsty Thomson, is stepping down from her full-time role at The Circle.

The Circle’s board is delighted to announce that two senior members of The Circle’s current senior management team, Paul Hastie, General Manager at The Circle since 2017, and Ruth Finnan, Financial Controller since 2019, have been appointed to a newly created co-leadership role, and will jointly manage the organisation.

Kirsty, who founded The Circle in 2015, will continue to maintain strong links with the social enterprise.

Campbell Archibald, Chair of The Circle’s board, said:

“Kirsty Thomson’s ongoing involvement ensures continuity and strategic guidance as The Circle continues to advance its mission and impact.

Kirsty has been an outstanding CEO of The Circle.  She has established a thriving social business which has supported social enterprises, charities and businesses by providing flexible workspaces in Dundee and Glasgow, as well as consultancy and training across Scotland. We wish her all the best for future challenges and look forward to working with her in the future.“

Archibald also welcomed the appointment of Paul Hastie and Ruth Finnan. “The board is delighted that The Circle’s experienced senior leadership team, Paul Hastie and Ruth Finnan, with the continuing support of other valued staff, have agreed to take over the co-leadership role at The Circle. Paul and Ruth have been involved with every aspect of the successful management of The Circle since 2017 and 2019 respectively. Their ongoing involvement will ensure a smooth transition. They will continue to build on the high standards that have helped them build The Circle’s reputation as a caring, effective and flexible organisation.”

Ruth Finnan, Financial Controller, said:  “As we move forward, we remain dedicated to upholding the vibrant culture and values that Kirsty has instilled throughout our organisation. We are excited to pursue and achieve the strategic goals and ambitions she has set, ensuring The Circle continues to thrive and make a positive impact.”

Paul Hastie, General Manager, said. “It’s been the pleasure of my career to have helped Kirsty drive The Circle forward for the last seven years. I’m very excited by the future here and am thrilled to continue to deliver our service to our tenants and clients, who remain our absolute priority. With the establishment of our new service, The Circle Mobility, we want to have an even wider positive impact in the community.”

Kirsty Thomson said:  “It has been an incredible journey watching our vision become a reality over the past 12 years, thanks to the unwavering support of our, dedicated staff, many non-executive directors, volunteers, supporters, and our wider community. I extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this transformative journey. As I transition from the role of CEO, my commitment to our vision remains steadfast. I am dedicated to fostering strong connections and providing ongoing support and guidance to our board and staff as we embark on this new chapter together.”