1. GRAHAM WATSON NAMED NEW TENNIS SCOTLAND CHAIR
Tennis Scotland is pleased to announce the appointment of Graham Watson as its new
Chairman.
Graham brings with him an extensive track record in business and sports governance and
has amassed significant boardroom experience both in executive and non-executive
capacities.
He was appointed following a thorough process involving the recruitment panel, which
included senior representatives from Tennis Scotland, sportscotland and the LTA.
Graham has a professional background in law and chartered accountancy and was a partner
at Deloitte for over 10 years.
His executive roles have included Chief Executive of Carnegie Sports International, which he
founded with the backing of Sir David Murray, and his own management consultancy,
Positive Leadership Limited, through which he co-founded the highly respected charity, the
Winning Scotland Foundation, inspiring young people to be the best they can be.
Graham is also an independent non-executive director of a number of Scottish
organisations, including Heriot Watt University, Scottish Futures Trust and Scottish Golf. He
will formally take up his role on January 1 and replace the outgoing chairman, Scott Martin.
Graham Watson said: “This is an exciting time to lead Tennis Scotland forward and the
opportunity to develop the sport and make it as accessible as we can to people of all ages
and abilities across the country is what really appealed.
“I would like to thank our outgoing chairman, Scott Martin, for leaving such a solid platform
on which to build future success. I am also well aware of the work and significant growth
delivered by Blane Dodds and his team to continue to broaden the appeal of tennis across
the country; in partnership with the LTA via their significant investment into the game in
Scotland which ensures the organisation is in such a strong position to deliver success.
“Naturally COVID-19 has impacted on grassroots tennis in Scotland but since the easing of
restrictions we have recorded significant growth in general participation and the sport is
uniquely placed to provide health and wellbeing benefits to communities up and down the
country. With more money, the national academy at Stirling and new facilities coming it is
an exciting time for the sport. The chance to collaborate with partners to provide a lasting
legacy for the achievements of the Murray family is an opportunity I am keen to embrace,
working closely alongside the Murray family themselves.
The shared vision of Tennis Scotland and the LTA is ‘tennis opened up’ - a sport for everyone
and personally the goal of inspiring young people to achieve has motivated me throughout
my professional life. This will be a central theme of my chairmanship. In my early
conversations, this is a vision shared by Blane and the Tennis Scotland board and I look
forward to getting started in the New Year.”
2. Scott Martin added: “It has been an honour and a privilege to Chair the Tennis Scotland
board during a period of continued growth and success. We now have record investment
coming into our sport from ourselves and the LTA, a world-class performance pathway, and
we are on the cusp of significant development in our indoor facilities network.
“I give my thanks to my fellow board members and Tennis Scotland colleagues, led by CEO
Blane Dodds. We have achieved together through strong collective working, and I know that
same determination will be applied when Graham takes the role in January. We have a
wonderful platform from which to build from and I wish Graham and the organisation all the
very best for the years to come.”
ENDS
