Ian Beattie, our Chief Operating Officer, has been named as the new Chair of UK Athletics. He will take on the role in October, as his time in the same role at scottishathletics comes to a close after its maximum nine-year period.
Ian said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to the Chair position at UK Athletics.
“It is an exciting time to be taking on the role, and I look forward to helping the organisation provide a positive environment for athletes, coaches, officials and everyone else involved in the sport.
“Having previously chaired one of the Home Country Athletics Federations, I recognise the importance of all the athletics’ bodies in the UK working together, with each of us performing our roles to the highest possible standard.”
In his role as our COO, Ian - a chartered accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) - is responsible for the firm’s financial and operational performance. Lindsays has expanded significantly in recent years through mergers with smaller firms, and Ian has a responsibility for their integration into Lindsays’ model.
Ian, who was awarded an MBE for services to athletics in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours, plays an important role in setting the ethos of Lindsays as a firm, centred on his belief that the personal health and happiness of the employees is the critical factor in their professional performance.
His interests outside of work include being a member and endurance coach of Harmeny Athletic Club. Ian has previously been a member of Portobello, Strathearn Harriers, Central AC and Troon Tortoises, serving on the committee of most of those clubs.
He is also Race Director of the West Highland Way Race, having completed the event eight times, and has completed more than 100 marathons and 100 half marathons.
Ian added: “My vision is for athletics to be a sport where everyone pulls in the same direction and feels proud to be part of the athletics family in the UK. It is encouraging that the structures are now in place to allow that to happen, and I look forward to helping UKA play its part in achieving this in the years ahead.”
Chairman at Lindsay, Peter Tweedie said: “Everyone at the Firm is delighted for Ian, who is an important part of our team. As a business, we are proud supporters of athletics in Scotland and wish him every success in this important and exciting role.”
UK Athletics Senior Independent Director Penny Avis, who oversaw the recruitment process, said: “On behalf of the Board of UK Athletics, I am delighted to welcome Ian as our new Chair. Ian’s deep athletics knowledge and his passion and energy for the role, combined with his chair and business experience, will be a fantastic asset for us.”
