Scotland: Martin Shepherdson completes a term of office as a Scottish hockey chair

After almost five years at the tenure of Martin Shepherdson as chairman of the Scottish hockey, a conclusion came to a conclusion.

Martin took the role of Stoel in 2020 at a time of unprecedented challenges when the sport started to come from the Covid pandemie. Since then, the Scottish hockey has been stabilized quickly and left for a journey of ambitious growth due to its strategic reset, construction, excel, approach.

It has been a successful period under Shepherdson. Scottish Hockey was nominated for the administrative body of the year at the Scotland Awards Team and the organization delivered a successful Rebrand.

Martin’s personal highlights are the reorganization, strengthening and development of the Scottish Hockey team; the reset, construction and excel project – and the progress that has been made against it; And the development of the national teams and paths of Scottish Hockey.

Martin Shepherdson, chairman of the Scottish hockey, said: ‘It has been a great journey as chairman of the Scottish hockey in the last five years and I really enjoyed my time. I am very proud of all the great achievements we have done in those years and I have many great memories.

‘I want to thank the board, volunteers and all the staff of Scottish hockey at the time for their exceptional work and support. I am also very excited to see what is coming for Scottish hockey; While I am handing over the reins, I do this confidently in the organization to enter into and to succeed in the coming years. ‘

However, there was still an important task for Martin to complete before his time as chairman concluded, and that is on board his successor. The Scottish hockey has recruited an independent chair to succeed Martin and build on the great work that has been done so far.

Neil Francis is an experienced senior executive with a major track record in economic development, international trade and digital transformation. For more than 25 years at Scottish Enterprise, he held various senior positions, including director of digital and large projects, international activities and global trade.

Neil also brings extensive governance and non-executive experience in various sectors. He is currently chairman of EMMS International, a Global Health Charity, based in Edinburgh, focused on transforming health care in countries with a low income. Earlier administrative roles include serving the Jordanhill School board, the only immediately funded school in Scotland; Chairman of Optocap LTD and VCX software, both technological spin-outs; And director of Alba Campus LTD and the Institute for System Level Integration, a collaboration between four Scottish universities.

Neil said: “I would like to offer congratulations and thanks to Martin for his five years as chairman of the Scottish hockey. It was great to work with him, the board and the staff while I learn about Scottish hockey and the potential.

“I am very happy to become a member of the Scottish hockey as his independent chairman and enthusiastic to help the organization in the next phase of her development that continues to support and hockey as an open inclusive sport for everyone.”