Scottish Hockey has announced that Barry Cawte is stepping down as CEO. Barry joined Scottish Hockey in October 2021 and will leave at the end of May after an extremely successful period for the organisation. Barry will be joining Cricket Wales as CEO. The Board of Scottish Hockey have started the recruitment process for a permanent successor and will keep the membership informed as this progresses.
Barry leaves Scottish Hockey at a high point, as progress continues to be made in the organisation’s ambitious Reset, Build, Excel approach.
During Barry’s tenure Scottish Hockey was shortlisted for Governing Body of the Year, showing dramatic success in a short period of time, with a focus on inclusion; equality; welfare; participation; performance; and commercial success.
Under Barry’s leadership Scottish Hockey delivered a rebrand of the organisation; the launch of a new governance structure; and strengthened relationships with key stakeholders. As an advocate for inclusion Barry’s reign has also seen the formulation of a new Inclusive Clothing Policy and partnerships with organisations such as FabLitteBag.
There has also been the delivery of a robust strategy consultation project to inform Scottish Hockey’s strategy for the years ahead.
With a focus on people, and values, Scottish Hockey completely restructured the entire workforce during Barry’s tenure, ensuring the organisation has the right people in the right places, creating a One Team approach to fit the needs of its members.
Barry has been particularly strong and publicly vocal in challenging issues around facilities, and funding, in order to remove barriers to hockey and protect the sport.
The return of Scottish Hockey’s annual awards in February after several years demonstrates the value Barry put on the Scottish Hockey community.
Emerging from the Reset phase Scottish Hockey is in a great position moving into the Build phase, with a motivated and ambitious team in place.
Barry Cawte, outgoing CEO, said, “From the moment I set foot in Scotland, in 2021, I have received nothing but support from everyone across the hockey landscape. I believe the team, and board, in place will continue to make massive strides. They live and breathe the values that underpin our sport, and they have incredibly supportive volunteers right across Scotland.
“The sport is in a rapid upwards trajectory and the foundations are in place for the sport to Excel as One Team for years to come. I would like to thank the board and sportscotland for their support throughout, and I am excited to see what the team at Scottish Hockey go on to achieve.”
Scottish Hockey Chair, Martin Shepherdson, said, “Barry will be missed by everyone at Scottish Hockey and Scottish sport in general. He has had a substantial impact on hockey approaching all challenging situations with steadfast determination. He has Reset and built strong relationships with all our key stakeholders, and helped galvanise the Scottish Hockey community.
“He has ensured the organisation has strong values and foundations in place, and I have no doubt he has put in place a legacy that will enable sustained success in the future. We wish Barry every success in his new role.”
