Mark Dodson, chief executive of the Scottish Rugby governing body, is set to step down later this year.
The rugby union body unveiled today that Dodson, who has been in the role since 2011, will step back from his position in mid-2024, despite having his contract extended until mid-2025, in 2022.
However, Scottish Rugby has now said that “with a revised governance structure in place,” a new chair appointed, and work progressing on a 10-year strategy, he “decided the time was right to step aside early.”
The body has said that the recruitment process to appoint a new chief executive is now underway.
Dodson joined Scottish Rugby in 2011 from the Guardian Media Group and also sits on the board of organizations including the British and Irish Lions, Six Nations Limited, United Rugby Championship, and the World Rugby Council.
Dodson said: “With several key organizational elements now in place such as the new governance structure becoming operational, working closely with … [new Scottish Rugby chair] John McGuigan and our national and professional teams settled I felt it was only right to make my intentions known.
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By GlobalData“As work progresses on our new 10-year strategy and given I wasn’t going to be in post to see it delivered beyond 2025 I think it’s right and appropriate to give space for the new CEO to come in and take that important work forward.
“Being chief executive of this great organization for 13 years has been a privilege.”
McGuigan, appointed as chair in May, added: “Mark has made a significant contribution to Scottish Rugby during his tenure including navigating the Covid pandemic. I’d like to thank him personally for working with me and welcoming me into Scottish Rugby.
“The SRL board and I will continue to draw on Mark’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the coming months until a date for Mark’s departure, which will be over the summer, is agreed.”
During the 2023 men’s Rugby World Cup in France, Scotland failed to make it out of the initial group stage after losing to Ireland and South Africa.