Dominic McKay earns new Murrayfield role with SRU

THE Scottish Rugby Union has promoted Dominic McKay to a new position of chief operating officer.

Dominic McKay: Bigger portfolio. Picture: SNS

McKay, who joined the SRU in January 2008, had his initial role expanded to director of commercial operations, communications and public affairs following the appointment of new chief executive Mark Dodson in 2011.

The SRU said that the new position brings an “increased portfolio” for McKay, which now includes “the management of the BT Murrayfield stadium facilities alongside his commercial, marketing, pro team and sponsorship responsibilities”.

In another boardroom move, general counsel Robert Howat has been invited onto the board as a director “in recognition of his contribution to the organisation and guidance over recent years”.

Howat joined as general counsel in January 2013 to lead its legal and governance team, and has recently taken on responsibility for its HR and business service departments.

McKay joined the union after previous PR roles in the drinks industry with Pernod Ricard.

He has been closely involved working with the organisation’s key sponsors, including BT, who have pumped unprecedented levels of income into the Scottish game. He is a board member of the Guinness Pro12 and has also worked closely with EventScotland in bringing major rugby events to BT Murrayfield and Scotland such as the 2017 European Champions and Challenge Cup finals and this season’s Pro12 final.

Dodson said: “It is a great example of the strength Scottish Rugby has at executive level that senior staff of the quality of Dominic and Robert can be acknowledged. We are evolving our corporate structure to ensure we can continue to deliver continued commercial, operational and ultimately sporting success.”