Robert Heatly MBE appointed as Chief Executive Officer

Robert Heatly - webScottish 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.

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