Tennis Scotland has announced new Board appointments as part of the governing
body’s continued ambition to grow and develop tennis and padel.
Rhona Alston became the new President of Tennis Scotland at its AGM on 24 April
2025, while Aidah Isa was appointed Vice-President.
It was also announced at the AGM that, following a successful recruitment period, four
new members will join the Tennis Scotland Board in June.
Claire Somerset and David Childs will be appointed as Non-Executive Directors, while
Yevheniya Bazhenova and Karin Sharp will become Observers in anticipation of joining
the Board in 2026.
Formerly Vice-President, Rhona Alston has been a dedicated advocate for grassroots
tennis over many years, including in her previous role as President of Tennis Tayside
and commitment to supporting Montrose Tennis Club and the North of Scotland County.
Consultant ENT Surgeon Aidah Isa drove the impressive development and revamp of
Bellfield Park Tennis Club in Inverness, for which she was named Tennis Scotland
Volunteer of the Year in 2024.
Having amassed vast experience in global sports sponsorship, Claire Somerset has
delivered significant commercial deals for organisations such as World Rugby and
Juventus football club.
David Childs’ extensive sporting background includes roles with FIFPRO, the global
union for professional football players, the Scottish Professional Football League, FIFA
and the International Olympic Committee.
Currently working with investment banking giant Goldman Sachs, Yevheniya
Bazhenova will add executive experience from financial markets to Tennis Scotland,
while Karin Sharp is the former Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Golf and currently
works in consultancy with a new-start technology company.
The new appointments will join the Tennis Scotland Board during a period of significant
growth for tennis and padel, with record club membership, soaring participation, more
indoor and outdoor facilities opening and an ever-strengthening competitions calendar.
Graham Watson, Tennis Scotland Chair, said: “The Board are delighted to welcome our
new appointments who will each play a key role in supporting Tennis Scotland’s strong
executive team as they continue to drive the game forward. Tennis and padel are
seeing significant growth across Scotland and ambitious plans are in place that will
ensure the sports continue on this path.”
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, added: “I am delighted to welcome our
new Non-Executive Directors, Observers, President and Vice-President to the Tennis
Scotland team. Tennis and padel are enjoying a period of unprecedented growth in
Scotland and we look forward to working together to continue to fulfil our ambitions for
the future.”
