Ruth Davidson named non-executive director of Scottish Rugby’s operational board

Former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has been appointed non-executive director of Scottish Rugby’s operational board, along with Mike Soutar.

The duo join recent appointees Alexandra Whelan from IMG, also a non-executive director and John McGuigan as chair.

These days Davidson runs her own consultancy business, is a regular speaker on leadership and diversity, and sits on a number of voluntary and charitable boards. She is a member of the House of Lords.

Davidson said: “As a lifelong Scotland fan, I am delighted to be joining the board of Scottish Rugby Ltd.

“From our community clubs through to the international teams, we have so much to be proud of – and so much further potential to be fulfilled.

“We have to match that potential with ambition and that means working collectively to ensure we are getting things right – from talent spotting to training, infrastructure to finance, safeguarding to leadership, to name but a few.

“I want to help grow the game in Scotland in any way I can and ensure the hard work which underpins it is directed in the most effective way possible.”

Soutar started his career at DC Thomson before moving to London where he held a variety of media and publishing roles in the UK and US before launching Shortlist Media in 2007.

Following 11 years with Shortlist culminating as chair of the Shortlist Group, Soutar went on to be the first CEO of the Evening Standard before taking on a portfolio of leadership roles across art, finance and production. He is currently a non-executive director of the V&A Dundee.

He said: “I am delighted to join the board of Scottish Rugby Limited and look forward to working with chair John McGuigan and my fellow Directors to build upon the remarkable legacy and progress achieved by the organisation in recent years.

“This is a transformative era for the sport, and there are substantial opportunities to expand the reach of Scottish Rugby for the benefits of all parts of the game.

“I am keen to support CEO Mark Dodson and his team in maximising the impact of the growing women’s game, and supporting the crucial work of grassroots community clubs. I am also very excited about the significant potential in our professional teams and the Scotland national sides to captivate a wider fan base.

“As a proud Scot and lifelong rugby enthusiast, having first played the sport as an 11-year-old schoolboy in Glenrothes, joining the Board is a genuine honour. I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the future success of Scottish Rugby.”