Emma Lacroix joins George Watson’s College as Director of Development

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Emma Lacroix as our new Director of Development. In this role, Emma will lead all fundraising activity for the school and oversee engagement and relationships across the Watsonian community. 

Emma has been working at George Watson’s College as Fundraising Lead since summer 2025, where she has already made a significant impact in strengthening philanthropic support and shaping future fundraising priorities. Her appointment reflects both her success in this role and her extensive experience across the education, cultural, and charitable sectors. 

Emma brings more than 15 years’ senior-level fundraising and development experience across the higher education, culture and heritage sectors. Her previous roles include Director of Development and Communications at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Head of Philanthropy at the University of Edinburgh for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. She has also worked internationally as a Director of the American Friends of the Botanics Foundation and has advised organisations as a freelance fundraising consultant with the Philanthropy Company. Her expertise spans major and principal giving, legacies, corporate and international fundraising, capital campaigns and supporter engagement. 

Commenting on the appointment, Lisa Kerr, Principal of George Watson’s College, said: 

“I am delighted that Emma will be taking on the role of Director of Development. She brings exceptional experience, talent and strategic insight, along with a clear and compelling vision for how philanthropy can support the future of the school. Since joining us last year, Emma has already demonstrated outstanding leadership and deep commitment to the Watsonian community, and I am excited to see her build and lead our development work in the years ahead.” 

Emma Lacroix said: 

“I am thrilled to be taking on this role at George Watson’s College. It has been a privilege to work with colleagues, pupils and supporters since joining the school, and I am inspired by the strength and generosity of the Watsonian community. As a parent of a child in P7, I have a personal as well as a professional connection to the school’s mission, and I look forward to working in partnership with supporters and alumni to help secure an ambitious and sustainable future for the school."

Emma is also joined by Rachel Bruce who is the new Head of Development and comes from a senior fundraising role at the University of Edinburgh.