Shake-up of marketing at rugby body

The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has overhauled its marketing team following the promotion of marketing and commercial director Phil Anderton to chief executive.

The RSU has split Anderton’s marketing and commercial functions into two newly created jobs. Alistair Russell will head its marketing functions, following his promotion to marketing director. Russell was previously marketing manager for the organisation,

David James, who was previously sponsorship director for the SRU, has been promoted to commercial director. He will continue to be responsible for generating revenue through sponsorship, as well as assuming wider functions in retail and membership.

The two will be tasked with creating a commercial plan for the SRU at a difficult time for the organisation. Anderton has launched a strategic review since his appointment as chief executive and warned that budgets will need to be tightened after recent heavy losses.

Anderton was appointed chief executive earlier this year following the departure of Bill Watson, who had his contract terminated in December. Anderton joined the SRU in 2000 from his position as marketing manager for Coca-Cola (MW May 11, 2000). He has also held marketing positions at Procter & Gamble.