Executive Team

Simon Milne’s passion is nature conservation, plants and leadership.  He was appointed the 16th Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in 2014 (post established 1699) and plays a leading and international role in the development and management of botanical collections.  He was educated at the University of St Andrews and in 1976 commissioned into the Royal Marines with subsequent worldwide operational commando service. In 2000 he became Director of the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum and in 2004 he was appointed Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Simon is a member of His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, is an Honorary Professor of the University of Edinburgh, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and sits on three international garden advisory committees and numerous charitable trusts. He was appointed MBE in 1996. Simon was voted Scotland’s top public sector leader by the Institute of Directors in 2020.

Pete Hollingsworth is Director of Science and Deputy Keeper at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a Visiting Professor at the University of Edinburgh, a visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg, and an Honorary Professor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Kunming Institute of Botany. His research focuses on understanding and conserving plant biodiversity. In recent years he has contributed to the international efforts of building a unified DNA based-index of life on earth, including various roles within the International Barcode of Life project and the Consortium for the Barcode of Life. He has a strong interest in linking scientific research to practical conservation outcomes, with particular interests in plant health, reintroductions/translocations and the integration of genetic data into conservation planning.

Sarah joined RBGE in April 2024, as Director of Learning and Engagement, where she oversees the development, implementation and coordination of the global learning and engagement programmes. Sarah previously held roles at Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania, USA, as Vice President of Engagement and Learning and as Head of Education for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), leading the national education programmes and qualifications. Other previous experiences include being a trustee for the Greater Brandywine YMCA (Chair), RBGE and Seed Your Future (National Leadership Cabinet) and a member of the Horticulture Roundtable group with Defra. She is also a member of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture Advisory Group.

Joanne Hannah was appointed as Director of Resources and Planning of RBGE in January 2021. Prior to that she was Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, committed to positively influencing healthcare, professional standards and health policy both nationally and internationally. Previously Joanne has worked as a director, executive advisor, head of commercial services and change and organisational development consultant in professional and higher education institutions across the UK, and in senior management roles within the hospitality and leisure sectors in Hong Kong. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Commerce and Manufactures, Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, and holds an MBA in International Business Management.