Forbes Dunlop has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of sportscotland following an extensive recruitment process.
Mr Dunlop, who is one of Scottish sport’s most respected and experienced sports administrators, takes up the position with immediate effect having worked as Chief Operating Officer with the national agency since April 2019. He replaces Stewart Harris who stood down as Chief Executive late last year after more than 16 years in the role.
Mr Dunlop started his career working in local government, then moved to sportscotland in 2003 holding various positions over a ten-year period.
In 2013 he was appointed as Chief Executive of Scottish Swimming and during a six-year-period the sport delivered year-on-year membership growth, the roll out of the National Learn to Swim Framework and medal success on the global stage.
Mr Dunlop has served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the British Paralympic Association for the past six years, standing down from this position in October 2022. He is also the current chair of South Lanarkshire Disability Sport.
He said: “It is a great honour to have been appointed as Chief Executive of sportscotland and I look forward to continuing to work with the Board and the staff team during what will be an incredibly important period for Scottish sport. This role also comes with great responsibility and I am determined to ensure we keep delivering at all levels.
“There are of course many exciting opportunities that lie ahead along with a number of significant challenges and it goes without saying that collaboration will be central to our continued success. I will be reaching out to our local and national partners over the coming weeks as we embark on a new chapter for Scotland’s world-class sporting system.”
Chair of sportscotland, Mel Young, said: “We are delighted that Forbes has accepted the position of Chief Executive following an extensive and robust recruitment process. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and I am confident that he will continue to be a hugely positive influence not just on sportscotland but the wider system.
“On behalf of the Board, I very much look forward to working with Forbes as we continue to use the power of sport to change lives.”
