Scottish Rugby have announced the appointment of Stephen White as an independent non-executive director, marking a significant addition to the board as the organisation aims to enhance its strategic direction.
With over 30 years of banking experience across the UK, Ireland, Asia, and Australia, White brings a wealth of expertise in developing and implementing corporate strategies.
Currently serving as the chief operating officer for Santander UK, he oversees a wide range of operations, including digital, cyber, IT, data, customer services, and more.
Before his tenure at Santander, White held various positions at prominent banks such as YBS, AIB, and NAB.
Based in Ayr, he has been an adviser to the Scottish Rugby Limited Board since February 2024 and was formally invited to join during the board meeting in June. He is set to assume his role at the upcoming board meeting in late August and will also chair the audit & risk committee.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, White stated, “I am very excited to be joining the Scottish Rugby Limited Board at this time. I have been a supporter of rugby in Scotland for many years, both at the international level and with my local team, Ayr Rugby Club. There is tremendous potential to take rugby to the next level across Scotland, from grassroots to the professional and national teams.”
He emphasised the pivotal stage of development that Scottish rugby is currently experiencing and looks forward to contributing positively over the coming years.
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John McGuigan, chair of Scottish Rugby Limited, welcomed White’s appointment, noting, “I am looking forward to welcoming Stephen onto the SRL Board as a Non-Executive Director. He will continue to bring his wealth of corporate experience to the board from his positions across the financial sector.”
The Scottish Rugby Limited Board is tasked with overseeing the management and operations of the Scottish Rugby Union Group, reporting quarterly to the Scottish Rugby Union custodians on key strategic and financial matters.
White joins a team of other independent non-executive directors, including Mike Soutar, Ruth Davidson, Alexandra Whelan, and Chris Stewart. Hazel Swankie also serves on the board as a Non-Executive Director due to her role on the former Scottish Rugby Union Council.
As rugby within Scotland looks to the future, White’s appointment signals a commitment to driving the sport’s growth and success at all levels.
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