Stephen Pathirana

Stephen Pathirana currently serves as Chief Executive of The Scottish Public Pensions Agency, a position held since June 2024. Prior to this role, Pathirana has had a significant tenure at The Scottish Government, starting in March 2018, where responsibilities have included Director of Lifelong Learning and Skills, Director of Advanced Learning and Science, Acting Co-Director of Justice, and Deputy Director of the Trade and Investment Delivery Division. In these roles, objectives have focused on enhancing the export capabilities of Scottish businesses and securing foreign investments in Scotland. Earlier in his career, Pathirana worked as Head of Housing Markets, Strategy and North Programmes. Academic credentials include a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Developmental Biology and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Developmental Biology, both obtained from The University of Edinburgh.