James Stuart to step down as RYA Scotland CEO
by Claire Caffrey, RYA Scotland 17 Oct 2014 17:13 BST
17 October 2014
The Royal Yachting Association Scotland (RYA Scotland) has announced that its current chief executive officer, James Stuart, will leave the governing body for sailing next month.
Paying tribute to the outgoing CEO RYA Scotland Chairman, Tony Gorzkowski, said:
"We are very sorry to be saying goodbye to James Stuart as CEO of RYA Scotland. During his time with us we have seen RYA Scotland grow in strength and stature and much of this has been down to James' vision, commitment and endless enthusiasm. He has driven through a number of significant changes in how we operate, and has put in place measures which will improve the way that we support local clubs, develop coaches and communicate with our membership and the wider sailing community.
"One of James' finest achievements over the last four years has to be the Commonwealth Flotilla which culminated in more than 250 vessels of all shapes and sizes making their way up the Clyde to the heart of Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games. Without his drive and determination this would not have been possible. I know that James will go on to further successes in his new role as managing director of an Edinburgh-based agricultural pharmaceutical company, and he leaves with our best wishes."
Reflecting on his time with RYA Scotland, James Stuart had the following to say:
"When I applied for this role I described it as my dream job; combining a lifelong passion for boating with a professional role, and it has turned out just as I had hoped. I have had a fantastic four and a half years at the helm of RYA Scotland and will miss the staff and volunteer team who brought all of our plans to life immensely. I am very proud indeed of what has been achieved and feel we are well equipped to meet the demands of the coming years".
"We have worked hard to make the most of each and every opportunity and also to challenge ourselves to be as relevant as possible to all of our members. Our cruises in company, the recent Commonwealth Flotilla, the growth of our awards dinner and the expansion of our coaching programme I hope serve as suitable examples of this.
"On a personal note I would like to draw particular attention to the help and support I received from our management committee and the three chairmen I have work for.
"My departure from this role is not however the end of my involvement in the sport and I hope to spend a great deal more of the time out on the water".