Scottish Hockey is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Heatly MBE as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective from Monday 13 June.
Heatly, 52, is a former senior Royal Marines Officer (Lieutenant Colonel) with considerable leadership and management experience in a diverse range of matters within the Military, Civil and Diplomacy sectors.
He had a distinguished career developing international understanding and maintaining success in a variety of senior level positions, including Head of Royal Navy/Royal Marines Recruiting for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Commenting on his appointment, Heatly said, "I am delighted to have given this fantastic opportunity by Scottish Hockey. Having had a varied, demanding and interesting career in the Royal Marines, I was determined to become involved in sports management."
"While on the surface this may seem a huge change of career direction from the military, there are actually considerable overlaps with the sports industry. I have worked with teams of committed individuals striving to overcome challenges in an environment where teamwork is essential. Many of the qualities required to serve in the military are similar to those faced by committed sportsmen and women. I'm looking forward to the challenges that the job will bring and to progressing the initiatives implemented by my predecessor."
Other highlights of his career include receiving an operational MBE in 1993, and being awarded the 'Sword of Honour' as the top officer throughout his military training. A varied career has seen him travel extensively in over 50 countries worldwide, including time spent living in USA and South Africa.
Born and bred in Edinburgh, he attended George Watson's College and his sporting interests focussed on swimming and water polo. His father is Sir Peter Heatly, three times Commonwealth Games medallist, Life Vice-President of the Commonwealth Games Federation and former Chairman of the Scottish Sports Council.
Having returned to Scotland in 2006, he now lives in Edinburgh, married to Debs, with three teenage sons, of which his son James (14) is Scottish senior champion in three diving events.
Heatly will replace current chief executive Brent Deans, who is returning to his native Australia following sixteen years with the national governing body, including Director of Hockey, Performances Manager, and latterly as CEO.
Source: Scottish Hockey Union media release
