Following a comprehensive and competitive recruitment process, Mark Munro, Chief Operating Officer of UK Athletics, has been appointed as the next Director of Sport and Active Health at the University of Edinburgh. The former Development Director (2011 – 2016) and Chief Executive Officer (2016 – 2021) of Scottish Athletics joined UK Athletics to oversee Development, Coaching and Officiating in 2021, before taking up the position of Chief Operating Officer in 2022. Image Munro, a former Hill Running age group international, who will take up the position in June, brings a wealth of experience to the role. As well as his positions at Scottish and UK Athletics, he is a former Board Director at Tennis Scotland, former Board Member at sportscotland, and the co-creator and Board Trustee of Athletics Trust Scotland. He also brings experience from working in a development role at the Scottish Football Association (2004-2011) and is no stranger to the student sport sector having worked as Head of Sports Development and lecturing at the University of Abertay (1999 – 2004). On the appointment Dr Catherine Martin, University of Edinburgh Vice-Principal Corporate Services, said: I am delighted that, after comprehensive and competitive recruitment process, we have appointed such a strong candidate to succeed Jim. Mark brings a wealth of experience and we are all looking forward to welcoming him into our community. Munro commented: It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed as the Director of Sport and Active Health at the University of Edinburgh. The University has an outstanding reputation in sport and active health developed over many years and I am very excited to be linking up with such a progressive academic institution and a wonderful staff team that is already in place thanks to the work of retiring Director, Jim Aitken. The aim is very much to continue the upward trajectory of sport and active health, both within and out with the university and work with partners to create fantastic opportunities for all students and staff to fulfil their ambitions in life. Munro will succeed Jim Aitken MBE who retires on 31 March 2023, after over 22 years in the role. Related information University of Edinburgh Sport University of Edinburgh Sport & Exercise Edinburgh University Sports Union (external site) Director of Sport announces retirement plan Publication date 23 Mar, 2023
