Malcolm Dingwall-Smith appointed as Chief Executive Officer

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Malcolm Dingwall-Smith as Bowls Scotland’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Malcolm has extensive experience in the sport sector having worked in local, national and international roles. He joins Bowls Scotland from sportscotland where he has led the national agency’s political, government and public policy engagement. He has previously held roles in sportscotland’s governing bodies and local authorities’ teams.

He has also worked for the Commonwealth Secretariat, supporting member governments around the world to use sport as a tool to achieve wider social outcomes.

Alongside his paid roles, Malcolm is currently voluntary Convener of Ramblers Scotland and Vice-Chair of the Ramblers Association GB.

In his role as CEO, Malcolm will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to Bowls Scotland, overseeing the management and governance of the organisation as well as ensuring the development and delivery of the Bowls Scotland Strategy.

Looking forward to starting his new role, Malcolm said: “I am delighted to be joining Bowls Scotland and look forward to working closely with the clubs, volunteers and staff.

“My first experience of bowls was my granddad taking me down to the local club in Edinburgh where he was President. I still remember the sense of community at the club and the important part it played in his life. I want to ensure as many people as possible experience the same enjoyment and benefits that bowls brought him.

“I believe this is an exciting time for bowls with the opportunity to strengthen clubs, grow the membership, support bowlers to perform on the international stage, and ensure bowls is at the heart of communities right across Scotland. I am really clear that it is not the CEO but the combined efforts of the bowlers, volunteers, officials, clubs, and staff team that will ultimately make our sport thrive.

“I look forward to meeting you all, working with you and playing my part in ensuring a bright future for bowls in Scotland.”

Bowls Scotland Board Director and CEO Recruitment Lead, Michael Cavanagh OBE, added: “Bowls Scotland is delighted to welcome Malcom Dingwall-Smith to the key position of Chief Executive Officer, following a highly competitive recruitment process.

“Malcolm brings a breadth of sport and governance experience to the role, which will contribute hugely to Bowls Scotland growing and developing the sport in Scotland.”

Malcolm will begin his post with Bowls Scotland in February 2025.