Last night at the Annual General Meeting, Paul Bush OBE, was appointed as the new Chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS). Paul, who leads Scotland’s major events strategy with VisitScotland and EventScotland, takes over from Michael Cavanagh, who completed his tenure, following an eight year stint, leading the organisation in the build up to Team Scotland’s most successful ever Commonwealth Games at Glasgow 2014.
Paul, who has been on the CGS Board for the last four years as an independent non-executive Director and was Team Scotland Chef de Mission in 2006, will now lead the strategic direction of the organisation.
Delighted to have been appointed by the member sports, Paul Bush said: “It is a huge honour and privilege to have been appointed as Chairman of CGS. I am passionate about Scotland and Scottish sport and I look forward to working closely with the professional staff and Board to build on the momentum of Glasgow 2014, further enhancing the strategic, financial and commercial position of CGS.
“I am committed to effective partnership working and look forward to working closely with the member sports, to ensure they and their athletes are best placed to enjoy continued success at future Commonwealth Games.
“Scotland has a strong reputation in the Commonwealth Games movement and I look forward to representing CGS at international level, to ensure we retain and extend our sphere of influence on the world stage.”
Paul will be supported in his new role by newly elected Vice Chair, Maureen Campbell. Maureen has been Chair of Scottish Swimming since 2006 and is Chief Executive of Falkirk Community Trust. She is also former swimmer, representing Scotland at the 1978 Commonwealth Games.
Two new Board Directors were also voted in by the 24 member sports in attendance.
Alasdair MacLennan, President of Scottish Cycling and cycling team manager for Team Scotland at the last four Commonwealth Games has been appointed for a four year term. With more than 40 years in the sport as an athlete, coach and administrator he is looking forward to adding value to the CGS Board.
Susan Jackson, 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist in shooting and former CGS Athletes’ Representative, was also successful in gaining selection. In her professional life, Susan is a Chartered Accountant and runs her family business. Previously she worked in the corporate finance team at Deloittes for 12 years before joining the Winning Scotland Foundation as a senior director.
Outgoing Chairman, Michael Cavanagh was thanked by the sports in attendance for the outstanding job done and in response he said: “It has been a privilege, not just to serve as CGS Chairman, but to have had the good fortune to lead this great sporting family at such an exciting and successful time in our history.
“CGS has come a very long way over the last eight years and it has been fantastic to see the extensive interest and competition for the Board positions to support the organisation going forwards. I would like to wish Paul, Maureen, Susan, Alasdair and the other Board members all the very best for the future.”