Stephen has over 30 years of experience in banking in the UK, Ireland, Asia and Australia and brings knowledge of developing and implementing corporate, transformation and operating strategies.

Currently Chief Operating Officer for Santander UK Stephen has accountability for Digital, Cyber, IT, Data, Customer Services, Operations, Financial Crime, Fraud, Payments, Controls, Change, Property, Investments and Transformation.

Stephen held a variety of banking positions prior to Santander, including YBS, AIB and NAB.

Based in Ayr, Stephen was appointed as an adviser to the Scottish Rugby Limited Board in February of this year and was formally asked to join at the June 2024 meeting. He will begin his Independent Non-Exec role from the next Board meeting in late August. He will also Chair the Audit & Risk Committee.

Speaking on his appointment, Stephen said: “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, at an international level as well as at 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.

“Having spent the last few months as an adviser, it is clear this is a pivotal stage in the development of Scottish rugby. I am looking forward to contributing to this over the coming years and helping leave a positive legacy.”

John McGuigan, Chair of Scottish Rugby Limited, said: “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 SRL Board is responsible for the ongoing management and operations of the Scottish Rugby Union Group. It reports quarterly, through the SRL Chair, to the Scottish Rugby Union Custodians on the main aspects of its operating role, including strategy, financial and other significant topics.

Other Independent Non-Executive Directors on the Scottish Rugby Limited Board are Mike Soutar, Ruth Davidson, Alexandra Whelan and Chris Stewart. Hazel Swankie also serves on the Board as a Non-Executive Director by reason of her role on the former Scottish Rugby Union Council.