Mark Dodson has been unveiled as the Scottish Rugby Union's new chief executive.
Dodson is a former chief executive of Guardian Media Group's Regional Media division and takes over from interim boss Jock Millican who had himself replaced Gordon McKie in June.
Dodson, who hails from Manchester, described his new position as a "great privilege". Talking to the SRU's website, he commented: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Scottish Rugby, a globally recognised organisation, as it continues the development of the game throughout Scotland.
"I very much look forward to working with the staff and the board and, of course, getting to know all the key rugby stakeholders in the months ahead.
"With playing numbers growing in recent years, with the national team currently ranked seventh in the world and preparing to compete in the Rugby World Cup, I am fortunate to be joining at such an exciting time.
"My initial focus will be to work closely with the senior management team and the Scottish Rugby Board in finalising the new strategic plan for the organisation and to lead on its delivery."
Dodson had a long, distinguished career with Guardian Media Group, joining 1979 and leaving in 2010, although he had a spell at Reed Regional Newspapers in the 1980s. The appointment was made by a panel including SRU chairman Sir Moir Lockhead and president Ian McLauchlan.
Former Scotland and British Lions captain McLauchlan said: "He was the outstanding candidate in a very strong field and brings a wealth of business and commercial experience which will stand the organisation in good stead in the years ahead."