Scottish Rugby has announced Alex Williamson as its new CEO, following Mark Dodson's decision to step down this summer.

Williamson joins from Inspiring Learning and is former CEO of Goodwood Estate & House of Fraser. 

On his appointment, Williamson said: "I am very pleased to have the opportunity to lead a team charged with shaping the future of something that is about so much more than rugby. A sport that brings families together, inspires fans and connects communities in the way Scottish rugby does makes it more important than ever.

"There are many opportunities ahead for the sport globally and locally and I see no reason why Scotland cannot continue to be a positive force in the world game and within the wider sporting community.

"My interactions with John McGuigan and David (Nucifora), along with a number of board members have only amplified my confidence in what we have the potential to achieve. I cannot wait to get to Edinburgh and crack on.”

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Williamson takes over from Dodson, who, having taken over as SRU CEO in 2021, announced his decision to step down in January earlier this year.

At the time, Dodson said: “I’ve been reflecting post the 2023 World Cup and felt it was the right time to bring my Scottish Rugby role to a close and begin looking forward to the next chapter in my career.

“With several key organisational elements now in place such as the new governance structure becoming operational, working closely with the new Scottish Rugby Limited Board Chair John McGuigan and our national and professional teams settled I felt it was only right to make my intentions known.

“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.

“I’ve hugely enjoyed my time with Scottish Rugby so far and remain fully committed to our objectives in the coming months. Being Chief Executive of this great organisation for 13 years has been a privilege.”