Scottish Golf has appointed Robbie Clyde as its new CEO.
Clyde has spent 30 years working in the private and public sectors across sports, major events, tourism, international trade and manufacturing. His extensive CV includes roles as Regional Director in Western Europe for Scottish Development International, Chair of Snowsport Scotland and Project Director for the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
He will become Scottish Golf’s Chief Executive Officer in September. For the last five year he has been Head of EventScotland, leading the national events agency to create, host and bid for world-class sporting events and festivals across Scotland, as well as support the events industry during the COVID19 pandemic.
He said: “I am thrilled to be joining Scottish Golf, at a time when increasing numbers of people are playing golf at the outstanding clubs and facilities we have in Scotland.
“As a lifetime golfer I view the responsibility to lead the next phase of Scottish Golf’s growth as a huge privilege as well as a fantastic opportunity, and I look forward to joining the team and getting started later this summer.”
Until Clyde’s arrival Fraser Thornton will continue in his capacity as Interim CEO, supporting the governing body’s continued delivery of the 2022-26 Strategy. The process to recruit a new Chief Executive Officer began in January through an independent recruitment agency in order to advertise as widely as possible.
The new boss is an established leadership figure, executing high-profile projects such as the Scottish Government’s events programme during COP26, and creating Scotland’s major golf tournament investment strategy as a legacy from hosting the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Scottish Golf’s Board of Directors believe he brings the leadership credentials to drive the sport forward, build positive engagement with member clubs and deliver the strategy to grow the game.
Scottish Golf’s Chairman Martin Gilbert said: “Robbie is joining Scottish Golf at an exciting time for our sport and we are delighted to bring his unique and extensive experience, and leadership attributes, into golf.
“We feel sure his skillset will complement that of the existing executive team.”