By Duncan Mackay

Kevin_Scott_in_front_of_Badminton_Europe_logoApril 19 - Kevin Scott, formerly Scotland's player, has been elected as director of marketing at Badminton Europe's annual meeting in Vantaa, Finland.


He takes over the role vacated by Germany's Christine Skropke and will bring a strong business background to the role.

Scott, who won the Scottish Championships in 1991 and 1992, is executive director of international business development at leading investment fund group, Jupiter Asset Management, covering Europe, Asia and other key markets.

The candidature of Scott, who has degree in chemical engineering from Surrey University, was supported by UK Sport and Badminton England, whose chief executive Adrian Christy said: "This is a tremendous achievement for Kevin and for Badminton England.

"England is a proud member nation of Badminton Europe and a Council position comes with great responsibility.

"In Kevin, we have someone who has both the business background and the international badminton experience to add great value to support the growth and success of European badminton."

Scott's election comes with England having staged European Team and Individual Championships in 2009 and 2010 as well as preparing to host the Yonex World Badminton Championships at Wembley Arena in August in the countdown to London 2012.

Christy added: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank UK Sport for their support in this campaign and for our wider international strategy.

"England has secured one of the most ambitious and exciting trilogies of major events leading into a home Olympics, including this summer's Yonex BWF World Badminton Championships, a Council position on the Badminton World Federation for former world doubles champion Nora Perry, and now a Council position within Badminton Europe, all within the space of four years.

"I look forward to England playing a key role in the exciting evolution of our great game for many years to come".

Chris Harvey, the international relations adviser at UK Sport, said: "Key decisions in International Sport Federations are made in the meetings of their elected Council or Executive Boards, less and less in the debating rooms of congresses and annual general meetings.

"It is vital for our national governing bodies to gain representation in these forums so they can be a part of the major decisions that shape their sport.

"I am delighted for Kevin Scott and for Badminton England to have won this election through the successful implementation of a well-planned and strategic campaign.

"Gaining this position will help to increase Badminton England's international influence at an important time for the sport."

Scott's ability to discuss a variety of dynamic aspects and developments, in different countries and continents will be invaluable to European badminton, it has been claimed.

Scott said: "Following nomination by Badminton England, I am delighted to have been elected to the position of marketing director for Badminton Europe, especially as we are in the build-up to the London Olympics which offers significant momentum for development."

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