Patrick Macdonald FRSE will become Chair of Scottish Ballet’s Board of Directors on 15 September 2026, succeeding Jim Pettigrew on his retirement.

Patrick currently serves as Chair of technical services company March, facilities management business Arcus FM and call answering service Moneypenny. He is also a Director of NatureSpace Partnership, an environmental consultancy, and an angel investor supporting a number of start-up businesses.

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of Arts, Patrick has held a number of senior leadership and governance positions throughout his career, including Chair of the Institute of Directors, Trustee of the Woodland Trust and Chief Executive of John Menzies UK. He is also a member of the Chartered Management Institute’s Women Advisory Committee.

Patrick joins Scottish Ballet’s Board of Directors alongside Nadhia Ahmad-Ali, Julie Barr, Alison Cornwell, Steven Davis, Kate Guthrie, Christopher Hampson, Ingrid Lorentzen, Ben Malbon, Britannia Morton, Cassa Pancho, Richard Rollison, Steven Roth and Fani Sazaklidou.

Scottish Ballet’s Board of Directors brings together a wide range of expertise and experience to support the Company’s artistic and organisational ambitions. Alongside its governance responsibilities, the Board plays an active role in overseeing finance, audit, compliance, fundraising, brand development and advocacy, while supporting the Company’s work across Scotland, the UK and internationally.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Patrick Macdonald to the Scottish Ballet family as our new Chair. As CEO/Artistic Director, I’m particularly excited about his inclusive leadership style and his deep commitment to organisational sustainability. Furthermore, Patrick’s extensive international background will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the company on the global stage, ensuring our bold artistic ambitions remain anchored by world-class governance.”

Christopher Hampson, CEO/Artistic Director

“I am delighted to join Scottish Ballet as Chair at such an exciting moment in its development. As Scotland’s national dance company, its artistic reputation for innovation, inclusion and world-class storytelling is truly inspiring. I look forward to working closely with Christopher Hampson and the Scottish Ballet team, the Board and the Scottish Government to realise the company’s ambitious programme for the future, secure the organisation’s financial and operational health and champion inclusive governance.”

Patrick Macdonald

“Scottish Ballet welcomes Patrick Macdonald as the new Chair of the Board of Directors, bringing his extensive experience in leading complex organisations through transformation and ensuring their long-term viability, across private, public, and charitable sectors. With a strong background in governance, his appointment is set to support the company’s strategic future.”

Kate Guthrie, Board Member