ALEXANDRA WHELAN – who is Senior Vice-President, Strategy, Growth and Marketing for IMG’s media business – has been appointed as a non-executive director to the Scottish Rugby Limited Board (which runs the operational side of the business), with immediate effect.
Her appointment closely follows that of John McGuigan who was announced as Scottish Rugby Limited’s new Chair in May.
Whelan has expertise in strategy, commercial revenue growth and fan engagement. During her 25-year career she has worked in the US, Europe and Asia, including roles at McKinsey & Company and Time Warner Cable, where she delivered growth in the Sports and Video on Demand business.
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On returning to the UK, she was an Advisor and Non-Executive Director for Readly (a digital magazine and newspaper subscription platform), before moving to IMG in 2021. Whelan works with a range of sports organisations in her role at IMG, a global leader in sports, media and events.
“I’m delighted to join the Board and look forward to helping to grow the sport,” said Whelan. “I’m a passionate advocate for rugby and its ability to foster connection and teamwork. Rugby, and sport more broadly, is navigating a period of significant change, and has an exciting opportunity to build on the momentum from this year’s Rugby World Cup and the growth in the women’s game.”
McGuigan said: “We are looking forward to Alexandra joining the Board as a Non-Executive Director and feel this is a timely addition to the organisation.
“Her breadth of international experience in sports, strategy and digital will be an obvious asset to Scottish Rugby as we navigate the business beyond the 2023 Rugby World Cup and continue our development in the data and digital space.”
Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Dodson, added: “Rugby has made decent strides in recent years in the digital space but it is vital we continue to learn and grow as a sport and an organisation in this area.
“Bringing Alexandra onto the Scottish Rugby Limited Board therefore can only add value this area, coupled with her extensive experience in the US and Europe. We very much look forward to working with her.”
An extremely promising appointment. I’m sure Alexandra will bring innovative ideas & great experiences from other sports & industries to the SRU that will hugely benefit it. Scottish rugby has massive potential but needs people, like Alexandra, with the knowledge of how to transition the potential into realisation. A most welcome addition.
Smart lady – successful and highly-qualified. That said, Alex hasn’t been with IMG for very long, in her current role even less. Grassroots rugby knowledge maybe not so great as the other stuff?
No indication from that wealth of positive background information about the rugby club at which this “…passionate advocate for rugby….” developed her understanding of / affection for the Game in Scotland!
Maybe a significant gap in an otherwise stellar CV?
No indication from that wealth of positive background information about the rugby club at which this “…passionate advocate for rugby….” developed her understanding of / affection for the Game in Scotland!
Maybe a significant gap in an otherwise stellar CV?