1 August 2025, Edinburgh: Today, as the Edinburgh International Festival kicks off, the Board of Trustees held its first meeting with its newly appointed members.
The five new trustees’ expertise ranges from international diplomacy, media, technology and financial regulation will help the Festival continue to innovate and deliver world-class theatre, opera, dance and music to the broadest possible audience.
Andrew Gilmour, a former senior United Nations official, spent over 30 years in global diplomacy, leading efforts in human rights and peacebuilding. Lyn McDonald OBE, former Director of the Scotland Office, has led major projects and government functions, and Michelle Reglinski, Chief Revenue and Partnerships Officer, Global Syndication at Comcast and Sky, brings a strong track record in international media, commercial strategy, and business transformation.
John Taylor, former President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, is a financial leader and arts advocate with experience at the Bank of England and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Chris Yiu, Director of Public Policy for Northern Europe at Meta, brings expertise in technology and policy shaped by roles at Uber and the Tony Blair Institute.
The appointments were supported by global non-executive search specialists Nurole. Full biographies below.
At a time when the role of arts organisations is rapidly evolving, this expertise in global and public affairs, as well as digital innovation, will strengthen the International Festival’s mission to promote the exchange of ideas, deepen cultural understanding, and enhance its unique role as a bridge between Scotland and the wider world.
“We are delighted to welcome such a distinguished group of individuals to our Board. Their global experience and diverse perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to evolve as an organisation. As we look towards our 80th anniversary in 2027, this is a pivotal moment to both honour our rich legacy and embrace the opportunities ahead.”
Sir Keith Skeoch, Chair of the Edinburgh International Festival
