The Scottish FA is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Hughes as the second non-executive appointment to the Board of Directors.

Gary, 53, is Operating Executive with Apax Partners LLP, an independent global investment management company. He also holds non-executive directorships with J Sainsbury plc, a FTSE50 public company, Premier Farnell and Smart Technologies inc, is deputy chairman of The People’s Operator and is a senior independent chair of SECC Limited.

In his earlier career, Gary also served as Group Finance Director for Scottish Media Group from 1996-2000.

The appointment of a second independent non-executive director to the Board achieves another governance recommendation from the McLeish Review of Scottish Football. The position will replace the second vice-president role, which will cease at the next General Meeting on 9th June.

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “I am delighted to welcome Gary to the Scottish FA’s Board of Directors. Even among a host of impressive candidates, the breadth and depth of his experience with some of the leading companies in Scotland, the UK and internationally made him stand out.

“Alongside Barrie Jackson, our first non-executive director, Gary will offer an invaluable business perspective to Scottish football in addition to his passion for football and sport.”

Gary Hughes: “I am both pleased and proud to be joining the Board of the Scottish Football Association as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Whilst  football in Scotland does have its challenges, it also has significant opportunity and I look forward to working with the Board, the management team and all the major stakeholders to help create a successful and a sustainable future for our national game.”