The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has announced that Fiona Robertson will be its new chief executive.

Ms Robertson, currently director of learning in the Scottish government, will also become Scotland’s chief examining officer and will start her new role in July.

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She will replace Dr Janet Brown, who has been in the job since 2007 and whose departure was announced in October.

The SQA said that Ms Robertson will bring with her a wealth of experience across government and most recently within education over the past six years. This has included the development and delivery of Curriculum for Excellence, the Scottish Attainment Challenge and the National Improvement Framework for education.

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SQA chair David Middleton said: “I am delighted to announce Fiona Robertson as SQA’s new chief executive. Fiona has had a distinguished career in the Scottish government, and currently occupies a leading role in overseeing the strategic direction of Scottish education.

“I believe Fiona will relish the opportunity to lead SQA in making its unique contribution to Scottish life. I look forward to working with her.”

Ms Robertson said: “I am very pleased to be joining SQA, which is so central to the education and training system in Scotland, and it is a great privilege to be its new chief executive.”

Education secretary and deputy first minister John Swinney said: “My congratulations to Fiona Robertson on her appointment. Fiona is an outstanding public servant and will bring a broad range of experience and credibility in the education sector to the role.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Fiona and the SQA board, to maintain our excellent qualifications and assessments system.”