IMG’s Whelan takes up non-exec director role with Scottish Rugby

Scottish Rugby has appointed Alexandra Whelan as a non-executive director to its operational Scottish Rugby Limited Board, with immediate effect.

Alexandra is currently Senior Vice-President, Strategy, Growth and Marketing for IMG’s media business, and brings a wealth of experience from the media, strategy and digital sectors to the organisation responsible for rugby union in Scotland.

Her appointment closely follows that of John McGuigan who was announced as Scottish Rugby Limited’s new Chair in May.

Alexandra has expertise in strategy, commercial revenue growth and fan engagement. During her 25-year career Alexandra has worked in the US, Europe and Asia, including roles at McKinsey & Company, and Time Warner Cable, where she delivered growth in the Sports and Video on Demand business.

On returning to the UK, Alexandra was an Advisor and Non-Executive Director for Readly (a digital magazine and newspaper subscription platform), before moving to IMG in 2021. Alexandra works with a range of sports organisations in her role at IMG, a global leader in sports, media and events.
Alexandra is a passionate rugby supporter, having played rugby and attended BT Murrayfield for Scotland internationals over many years.

Speaking of her appointment to the Scottish Rugby Limited Board Alexandra said: “I’m delighted to join the Board and look forward to helping to grow the sport. I’m a passionate advocate for rugby and its ability to foster connection and teamwork. Rugby, and sport more broadly, is navigating a period of significant change, and has an exciting opportunity to build on the momentum from this year’s Rugby World Cup and the growth in the women’s game.”

Scottish Rugby Limited’s Chair, John McGuigan said: “We are looking forward to Alexandra joining the Board as a Non-Executive Director and feel this is a timely addition to the organisation.

“Her breadth of international experience in sports, strategy and digital will be an obvious asset to Scottish Rugby as we navigate the business beyond the 2023 Rugby World Cup and continue our development in the data and digital space.”

Scottish Rugby Chief Executive, Mark Dodson said: “Rugby has made decent strides in recent years in the digital space but it is vital we continue to learn and grow as a sport and an organisation in this area.

“Bringing Alexandra onto the Scottish Rugby Limited Board therefore can only add value this area, coupled with her extensive experience in the US and Europe. We very much look forward to working with her.”