Chair Message to the members

Dear Badminton Community,

On behalf of the board of Badminton Scotland, I would like to cover two main themes in this communication.

Firstly, I would like to introduce our “new” Interim CEO, Jonathan Russell, and secondly, I would like to give some background as to what Badminton Scotland would be seeking to communicate and bring to you and why it very sincerely seeks the support of the badminton community, as part of an uplifted and ongoing cooperation.

Firstly, as our previous CEO, Keith Russell, had been off sick for much of Q1 2025 and left the organisation at the end of March, and Nicky Waterson is also retiring on the 2nd of May, then we needed time to create management stability for the business and for the Badminton Scotland team, in short order. It was deemed that the best route to achieving this was via an Interim CEO appointment, as that is easier to secure, before aiming to recruit a long-term CEO in the future. I would like to take this opportunity to again thank Keith and Nicky for their many years of service and to wish them well for the future.

It should certainly be noted that Sportscotland were extremely supportive throughout this time and through their excellent introductions, one of the people that we spoke to, with a view to hiring an Interim CEO, was Jonathan. Jonathan has a very good mix of commercial experience via his own consultancy, as well as significant business management experience in media. We are pleased to say that Jonathan has joined us for a period of 3 or 4 months, during which time he can work with the Board and the Badminton Scotland team and assess the business and the next steps required to allow us to thrive and grow, and importantly, to develop badminton in Scotland, at all levels, as well as also on the international stage.

Jonathan joined less than a week ago, so this is work in progress, but we wanted to update you now and we will aim to bring you regular updates via our network and communications.

Jonathan will also be sending out regular updates to clubs and Badminton Scotland members.

Secondly, it is important to note that the recent economic environment has been less than ideal for many sports. It is appropriate to say that Badminton Scotland has materially missed some of its own growth targets over a longer period than we would like and that is a good reason to have a reassessment of where we are and how we move Badminton Scotland forward and positively for the future.

In my experience, this is often an important aspect of reviewing a sport/business – in order to future proof that sport or business and to adapt for future success.

Once again, it is appropriate to say just how supportive Sportscotland have been in these important discussions and how they have clearly viewed us as a key sport.

We are also fortunate to have a really great and very loyal badminton community and many of you have reached out to support our sport.

One of the key areas that we will be seeking to demonstrate and reinvigorate with you is what Badminton Scotland can bring to the badminton community, whether that is via schools, grassroots, clubs, groups, convenors, graded competitions or other means.

What we would hopefully seek and strive towards would include more grass roots development, along with increased coaching courses and graded competitions, and specifically affiliated Badminton Scotland members, via clubs, groups or other direct routes.

At Badminton Scotland, we look forward to being in touch soon with updates and next steps, and I am sure that you will join me in welcoming Jonathan to the badminton family.

Thank you

Regards

Kevin

Chair, Badminton Scotland. For and on behalf of the Board.