The Hibernian Community Foundation is delighted to announce a major update to the HCF Board of Trustees with the appointment of five new members.
The new trustees: Nigel Bruce, Karin Walker, Rebecca Young, Allison Tripney and Graeme Thompson, join at an incredibly exciting time for the official charity of Hibernian FC, following the recent appointment of Managing Director, John MacMillan MBE, as well as number of incoming operational staff appointments.
“Since I’ve joined it has been non-stop appointments in the best possible way,” said MacMillan.
“We have brought in and are bringing in some great people who, on a day-to-day basis, will continue and expand on the great work the Foundation produces.”
In coming weeks, appointments will be finalised for four new positions at Easter Road in Communications and Marketing, Safeguarding, Fundraising, and Finance and Business Support
“At the board level we have identified five brilliant new trustees who will contribute to developing strategy and help us deliver on our mission to use the power and passion of football to change lives.”
Each new trustee brings with them a specialty in a core competency identified by senior management; skills that will advance HCF’s offering in the Leith and wider community.
Nigel Bruce
Nigel Bruce is a local criminal lawyer, serving the Leith community from Adams Whyte Solicitors since 2000. A prominent figure in the Leith community, Nigel is passionate about supporting the area in which he works and lives, and is eager to support HCF as we continue to assist the disadvantaged in the community.
Nigel is the son of former Hibs goalkeeper Willie Bruce, and wanted to join the board to continue a lifelong connection to Easter Road, supporting the efforts of HCF wherever possible.
“I know first-hand the challenges faced by many on a daily basis in our area,” said Nigel.
“I’m excited about joining with other likeminded people from different backgrounds, striving to add to the Hibs Family in a wider community context.”

Karin Walker
Karin Walker joins the HCF Board with over 35 years’ experience in the private, public and third sectors, currently working at Aberdeen Investments as Client Manger. Having worked in Financial Services for the past two decades, Karin also brings with her experience delivering safeguarding programmes for primary schools across Edinburgh, skills that will prove invaluable to HCF.
As a season ticket holder at Easter Road, Karin was motivated to join the Board to strengthen not only her connection, but also HCF’s connection to the wider Hibernian Community.
“I was inspired to join the Foundation Board by a strong commitment to supporting communities and making a meaningful difference,” said Karin.
“I have first-hand experience of the challenges faced by children and their families, as well as the lasting impact charities can have locally. I am excited to start and keen to help shape and support programmes that deliver tangible impact.”

Rebecca Young
Rebecca Young is a Chartered Accountant with over a decades’ experience in control, audit and risk management. Rebecca’s career so far has taken her across sectors, including consulting work with KPMG, before arriving in her current role with Edrington Distillers Group. Rebecca’s experience in all things finance, particularly forecasting, will be vital for HCF in the endeavour to grow our services and offerings.
Not only limiting to financial services, Rebecca is actively involved in Edrington’s charitable arm, organising events and supporting with her expertise. This and a passion for bringing people together through shared loves of sports drove Rebecca to become involved with HCF at a board level.
“I am really passionate about football and the ability it has to bring people together,” said Rebecca.
“I feel I can support the Foundation to effectively manage financial, operational and governance risks while maximising sustainable community impact. I’m really excited to get involved with something I am passionate about.”

Allison Tripney
Allison Tripney joins the HCF Board with a wealth of experience in football charity work, having amassed two decades of experience with two separate English clubs. Currently the Community Director at Leicester City Football Club, a role she has excelled in since 2017. Prior to that, Allsion spent 15 years at West Bromwich Albion and in both roles has excelled in compassionate, values-based leadership while developing community projects that have tangible impact.
Allison brings with her a thorough understanding of the relationships held by football clubs and their official charities, and understands how one ought to leverage the other in order to succeed in growing positive results for both.
“I’m looking to use my knowledge and experience from 20 years in the charitable football sector to support and challenge the Foundation to be the best they can be,” said Allison.
“With a committed, forward thinking and experienced board and leadership team bringing fresh eyes and vision it seems to be the right time to be a part of something so exciting!”

Graeme Thompson
Graeme Thompson is an experienced leader with 25 years of Board experience, currently working as the CEO of Vistage UK, a professional training and leadership coaching organisation. Graeme’s board experience is vast and covers sports including rugby league, curling and water polo, whilst also covering the charity sector with the Bank of Scotland Foundation.
This experience across both sports and charity positions Graeme to be ready for any and all eventualities that meet HCF, with his experience to be vital in quashing challenges and identifying areas for growth.
“I enjoy adding value for from a board level with over 30 years of experience,” said Graeme.
“Having already experienced passion from some of the staff I am excited about the transition we are going through and the increasing impact we can have in the community.”





