After almost five years at the helm Martin Shepherdson’s tenure as Chair of Scottish Hockey has come to a conclusion.
Martin took on the role of chair in 2020 at a time of unprecedented challenges as the sport began to emerge from the Covid pandemic. Since then, Scottish Hockey quickly stabilised and set off on a journey of ambitious growth through its strategic Reset, Build, Excel, approach.
It’s been a successful period under Shepherdson. Scottish Hockey was nominated for Governing Body of the Year at the Team Scotland Awards, and the organisation delivered a successful rebrand.
Martin’s personal highlights have been the reorganisation, strengthening and development of the team at Scottish Hockey; the Reset, Build and Excel project – and the progress made against it; and the development of Scottish Hockey’s national teams and pathways.
Martin Shepherdson, Chair of Scottish Hockey, said, ‘It’s been a great journey over the last five years as chair of Scottish Hockey and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time. I’m very proud of all the great achievements we’ve made over those years and I have many great memories.
‘I’d like to thank the board, volunteers and all the staff of Scottish Hockey over that time for their exceptional work and support. I’m also very excited to see what comes next for Scottish Hockey; as I hand over the reins I do so full of confidence in the organisation to kick on and succeed in the years ahead.’
There was one more important task, however, for Martin to complete before his time as chair concluded, and that is on-boarding his successor. Scottish Hockey has recruited an independent chair to succeed Martin, and build on the great work done so far.
Neil Francis is an experienced senior executive with a distinguished track record in economic development, international trade, and digital transformation. Over 25 years at Scottish Enterprise, he held several senior roles including Managing Director of Digital and Major Projects, International Operations, and Global Trade.
Neil also brings extensive governance and non-executive experience across a range of sectors. He is currently Chair of EMMS International, an Edinburgh-based global health charity focused on transforming healthcare in low-income countries. Previous board roles include serving on the Board of Management of Jordanhill School, Scotland’s only directly funded school; Chair of Optocap Ltd and VCX Software, both technology spin-outs; and directorships with Alba Campus Ltd and the Institute for System Level Integration, a collaboration between four Scottish universities.
Neil said, “I’d like to offer congratulations and thanks to Martin for his five years as chair of Scottish Hockey. It has been great to work with him, the board, and the staff as I learn about Scottish Hockey and its potential.
‘I’m delighted to join Scottish Hockey as its independent chair and excited to help the organisation on the next phase of its development continuing to support and grow hockey as an open inclusive sport for everyone.’
