Scottish Rugby Strengthens Board with New Appointments
Scottish Rugby has recently announced the appointment of Ruth Davidson and Mike Soutar as non-executive directors, further strengthening their operational board. Davidson, the former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and Soutar, a highly respected business leader with extensive experience in publishing, will join the existing board members, including recent appointees Alexandra Whelan and John McGuigan.
Soutar, originally from Dundee, began his career at DC Thomson before moving to London, where he held various roles in the media and publishing sectors in both the UK and the US. In 2007, he launched Shortlist Media, revolutionizing the magazine sector. After 11 successful years with Shortlist, including serving as the chair of the Shortlist Group, Soutar became the first CEO of the Evening Standard. He currently holds several leadership roles across art, finance, and production, and also serves as a non-executive director of the V&A Dundee.
In reference to his new role, Soutar commented on the transformative era for the sport and the vast opportunities to expand the reach of Scottish Rugby. He expressed his enthusiasm for supporting CEO Mark Dodson and his team in maximizing the impact of the growing women’s game, as well as supporting grassroots community clubs. Soutar also highlighted the significant potential in the professional teams and the Scotland national sides to attract a wider fan base.
Davidson, who brings over two decades of experience in journalism and politics, joins the Scottish Rugby board as an experienced non-executive director in the manufacturing and financial services sectors. She has a particular interest in ensuring companies and organizations fulfill their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments. Davidson, a member of the House of Lords, runs her own consultancy business, speaks regularly on topics such as leadership and diversity, and serves on multiple voluntary and charitable boards.
Reflecting on her appointment, Davidson expressed her pride in the achievements of Scottish Rugby across all levels, from community clubs to the international teams. She emphasized the importance of collective effort in harnessing the potential of the sport in Scotland and ensuring that all aspects, such as talent spotting, training, infrastructure, finance, and leadership, are effectively optimized. Davidson expressed her commitment to help grow the game in Scotland in any way she can, ensuring that the hard work underlying it leads to the greatest possible success.
The appointment of Davidson and Soutar to the Scottish Rugby board highlights the organization’s dedication to strengthening its leadership and governance. With their extensive expertise and diverse backgrounds, Davidson and Soutar are expected to make significant contributions in driving the growth of Scottish Rugby and achieving its goals.
This news marks an exciting time for Scottish Rugby, as the sport continues to evolve and expand its reach. The inclusion of influential figures like Davidson and Soutar on the operational board demonstrates a strategic approach to maximize the potential of Scottish Rugby and its various endeavors. As Scottish Rugby aims to captivate a wider fan base and further develop the women’s game, these new appointments are set to pave the way for even greater success in the future.
