Scottish Rugby hunts for marketing director

The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) is hunting for a marketing chief to help oversee wide-ranging changes to the game in Scotland.

The marketing and commercial director post has been vacant since Phil Anderton was appointed chief executive earlier this year. He replaced Bill Watson, whose contract was terminated in December.

The SRU had split the post’s responsibilities into two jobs (MW March 18). Alistair Russell was promoted to head of marketing from marketing manager, while former sponsorship director David James was made commercial director.

However, both will now report to the new marketing director.

Anderton has said he will overhaul the commercial strategy and structure of the domestic game in Scotland, following a strategic review. The marketing director will be charged with increasing revenue to the SRU, with a target to trade profitably every year from 2005, and to halve its overdraft by 2008.

The marketing director will also be responsible for raising interest and participation of the game in Scotland.