From commercial newcomer at his boyhood club Hibernian FC to his current role as CEO, leading Glasgow Clan and Braehead Arena, Russell Smith has built a career defined by creative vision and collaborative leadership across Scotland’s sporting landscape. Through positions at Scottish Rugby, the Homeless World Cup, Arena Racing Company, and The R&A’s innovative Golf It! initiative, Russell has consistently focused on breaking down barriers and making sports more accessible to diverse audiences.
Now bringing his wealth of experience to Glasgow Clan, Smith reflects with our Scotland team on the mentors who shaped his leadership philosophy, the importance of teamwork in facing today’s business challenges, and his fundamental belief that kindness remains at the core of effective leadership. His appointment represents an exciting new chapter for both Russell and the organisation as they embark on what he describes as “a bold and exciting journey.”
The route to where you are now.
I’ve been really privileged to work with some well-established and high-profile organisations throughout my career. I’m humbled to have been given those opportunities by some truly inspiring people, and I’ve learned a great deal from working alongside real creative thinkers.
My first break into sport — I could hardly believe it — was with my boyhood club, Hibernian FC. I joined the commercial side of the business and was given creative licence to build the Commercial Department from the ground up. I worked with Scott Lindsay, CEO of Hibernian FC – he was the first to tell me that you can’t control everything.
I spent six fantastic years there before moving to Scottish Rugby, where I worked directly with the then Chief Executive, Gordon McKie. It was a brilliant experience, bringing new brands and fresh thinking into the organisation. I later returned to Hibs as Commercial Director, taking on a broader leadership role across commercial, marketing, and communications.
I then stepped into a very different space with the Homeless World Cup, where I saw first-hand how sport can inspire and transform lives. The impact isn’t limited to individuals, it ripples out to families and communities. It was a powerful reminder of what sport can do at its best.
From there, I moved into horse racing with Arena Racing Company, probably the most enjoyable period of my career so far. I had the freedom to be truly creative, with a clear focus on attracting new and more diverse audiences to the racecourse.
“We’re only at the beginning of what promises to be a bold and exciting journey.”
Building on that experience, I was given the opportunity to help realise the R&A’s vision of making golf more affordable, accessible, and inclusive. Working directly with the inspirational Chief Executive Martin Slumbers and the brilliant Jenny Brown, we brought Golf It! to life. In its first year, we welcomed over 180,000 people through the doors, breaking down barriers and, most importantly, making golf fun. It’s a notoriously difficult and sometimes frustrating sport (!) but creating a space where everyone could enjoy it was an incredible project to be part of.
Most recently, I’ve been entrusted with leading the Glasgow Clan and Braehead Arena into a new era. In just the first three months, we’ve already achieved a great deal — and we’re only at the beginning of what promises to be a bold and exciting journey. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and to Saxton Bampfylde for bringing it to me.
When I grew up, I thought I would be…
The first ginger James Bond. That dream’s still alive.
Acting was my first passion. I found something I was pretty good at and genuinely loved. And even now, I see the value it’s had in my life, helping me adapt to different situations, think on my feet, and improvise when needed. I studied acting at university, focusing mainly on TV and radio performance, but quickly realised just how tough the industry can be to break into. I auditioned for Hollyoaks… and didn’t get the part.
But hey, Bond is still on the list. So, there you go, Amazon. I’m ready when you are.
“I naturally want to see the good in people. If someone’s facing a challenge, my instinct is to say, “Okay, let’s work on this together and find a solution.””
Did you always know you would be a leader?
I think it probably started early on in childhood, playing team sports. I was always the one trying to help and support others. I was even made captain of the primary school football team, despite being a terrible footballer! But I was good at talking.
I naturally want to see the good in people. If someone’s facing a challenge, my instinct is to say, “Okay, let’s work on this together and find a solution.” I think that’s one of my biggest strengths as a leader — creating a supportive environment and fostering collaboration.
And I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible leaders over the years. I’ve learned a lot from their styles and, to be honest, stolen quite a few ideas along the way.
What I love most about my new role
What excites me is the ambition of Mickey O’Rourke and the board. I’m lucky to work with a supportive senior team, all focused on elevating the organisation. Whether it’s improving the team on the ice or relaunching Braehead Arena, our goal is to become a key player in Scotland’s arena landscape.
I’m energised by a team that’s aligned, with each person understanding their role and having the autonomy to drive change. That’s what motivates me every day, working with a team that’s ready to improve and push forward with a unified strategy.
What is the biggest challenge facing you as a leader today?
It’s about navigating the constantly changing environment we’re facing. With rising costs of living, business expenses, and National Insurance, it’s a challenging world. We need to stay agile, plan accordingly, and work through it. Resilience is key, while maintaining our core objectives and strategy. If we’re clear on what we need to do, we can achieve it. For me, having a clear plan is essential.
An important lesson in life I have learnt along the way
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t control everything. As a dad of three, I’ve seen this first-hand, and it’s true in business as well. You can’t control kids, just like you can’t control every aspect of a business. What matters is how you respond and where you focus your energy. Focus on the things you can control and work to mitigate the things you can’t. This is the biggest life lesson I’ve learned, and it was reinforced by two incredible leaders, Mark Spincer at Arena Racing Company and Martin Slumbers at the R&A, both of whom taught me that you can’t control everything.
“At the core, being kind is what matters most, something we talk about here and at home.”
Anyone who inspires you and why, or an inspirational quote you live by?
I have strong values about what’s right and wrong, and I believe in supporting others around me. At the core, being kind is what matters most, something we talk about here and at home.
The most inspirational leader I’ve worked with was Tony Mowbray. At Hibs, he wasn’t just the first-team manager; he was the leader of the brand. He genuinely cared about you as a person and wanted to understand how he and his team could help you excel in your role. He knew that driving revenue, improving marketing, and connecting with supporters ultimately elevated the brand and contributed to the football side.
Tony always encouraged us to “think big,” especially during tough times for Scottish football, where resources were tight. His focus on developing young talent created opportunities for everyone. One small but powerful example: every day from 12:30 to 1:30, the entire club would have lunch together. It may seem simple, but it fostered a strong, positive culture and helped build relationships across departments.