Scottish Rowing appoints new CEO

Scottish Rowing, the governing body for the sport in the country, has appointed Lee Boucher as its new Chief Executive

Lee, currently Head of Performance and Pathways with the organisation, will take up the new role immediately, taking over from Chief Operating Officer, Amanda Cobb, who announced her retirement in December and steps down at the end of this month – after nearly 14 years with Scottish Rowing.

Commenting on his appointment, Lee said: “I am thrilled to accept the position of CEO at Scottish Rowing and would like to thank the Board and the recruitment panel for the confidence that they have shown in me.

“They say that sport has the power to change lives and I believe that in rowing we have the most incredible lifelong sport that has helped to shape the person that I have become. I am highly motivated about the opportunity to work with our passionate volunteers, talented board and staff team and ambitious partners to drive the sport and the organisation forward as we build towards our new strategic plan.

“I’d also like to recognise the outstanding service given by Amanda Cobb as she prepares to retire later this month.  Amanda has overseen a significant and highly successful period in Scottish Rowing’s history, as well as navigating the sport through the pandemic, and she leaves with our thanks and appreciation for everything that she has achieved.”

Scottish Rowing Board Directors Sophie McCall and Laura Graham, who led the recruitment process supported by sportscotland, are absolutely delighted that, after such a highly competitive process, Lee has accepted the position of CEO. “Lee brings not only his wealth of experience and insight from within the organisation but also a set of fresh, dynamic ideas for both strategic and operational change.  We on the Board are thrilled to begin this new chapter at Scottish Rowing, building a strong, vibrant, and successful future for the sport.”

Forbes Dunlop, CEO of sportscotland, said: “Lee has already demonstrated that he has the knowledge and skills required to be part of a strong and effective leadership team with Scottish Rowing. Lee now has a fantastic opportunity to build on that experience and have a significant impact on the strategic direction of the sport at all levels. I’m sure he will give it his all and I look forward to working with him in his new role.

“I would also like to say thank you to Amanda Cobb for all her hard work during her time with Scottish Rowing and I wish her well in her retirement.”

Alastair Marks, Chief Executive of British Rowing, added: “We are delighted that Lee will be taking on this new role at Scottish Rowing.  Lee has been instrumental in advancing the performance programme within Scottish Rowing in recent years and has a wealth of great experience across the sporting sector that makes him an excellent candidate for this role.

“We look forward to continuing to work with him and Scottish Rowing in the future.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Amanda Cobb for her huge contribution to both Scottish Rowing and the sport as a whole.  She will very much be missed but we wish her every happiness in her retirement.”

Lee has a long history with rowing in Scotland having served Scottish Rowing (and its predecessor organisation SARA) as a volunteer including as Scotland Team Manager and a role on the SARA executive committee. He was employed by Scottish Rowing as Head of Performance and Pathways seven years ago, having performed the role of High-Performance Co-Ordinator in a voluntary capacity since early 2008.

During his time with the organisation, sportscotland and partner investment in rowing has increased significantly and the performance programme and support for aspiring talent has been transformed through strategic partnerships with several universities across Scotland.

He has made an impact beyond the domestic level, having acted as Team Manager for the GB Universities team at the World University Rowing Championships on a number of occasions.

Lee also has a wide knowledge of the sporting landscape in Scotland beyond rowing. Prior to joining Scottish Rowing, he spent eight years with Tennis Scotland working in corporate services, communications and latterly as Head of Performance Operations.

Lee steps into the new role of Chief Executive Officer at an exciting time for Scottish Rowing, with the development of a new emerging discipline at Commonwealth and Olympic level and an upcoming strategic review for the next Olympic cycle providing an opportunity to take Scottish Rowing to new levels.