Chris brings 30 years’ experience in the development and property management sector to Scottish Rugby. His group of companies – Chris Stewart Group (CSG) – has ownership and operational interests across the residential, office, hotel, and hospitality sectors.

The award-winning developments of Advocate’s Close, named by RIAS as Scotland’s ‘Best Building’ and home to Old Town Chambers, and The Edinburgh Grand on St Andrew Square, are amongst CSG’s significant successes.

Chris, who was appointed following an extensive external recruitment process, said: “I’m acutely aware of the impact the sport plays in our society and its potential to widen that impact. Rugby has always been a part of my life and continues to be as a regular at Scottish Gas Murrayfield and in support of Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium.

“Scottish Rugby has progressed into a fantastic position in recent years, and there is so much potential to go even further, from grassroots to the professional men’s and women’s teams, and a wealth of commercial opportunity available – much of which is yet untapped.

“It’s an exciting time to join the organisation, and I’m looking forward to getting started. I hope to bring another dimension to the Board as SRL looks to set out a vision for the future.”

The SRL Board is responsible for ongoing management and operations within the Scottish Rugby Union Group including the financial and strategic delivery for the organisation.

Scottish Rugby Limited Chair, John McGuigan, said: “I am looking forward to working with Chris and drawing on his experience, which complements the breadth of skills we now have throughout the SRL Board.”

A previous EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner, Chris also sits on the Board of Trustees of care and education charity Seamab.