Scot Gardiner, ex-Hearts Chief Operating Officer, named new Inverness Chief Executive
![Scot Gardiner (right) with Hearts boss Craig Levein. Picture: SNS Group](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/legacy_elm_75196490.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Scot Gardiner (right) with Hearts boss Craig Levein. Picture: SNS Group](/img/placeholder.png)
Gardiner started his new role on Monday, with his new side set to face his former club at Hampden on Saturday in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final.
He worked for the Jambos between July 2014 and August 2017, and was involved in several high-profile projects with Hearts, including the building of the new main stand at Tynecastle Park.
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Hide AdHe has also held positions at Dundee, Tottenham Hotspur and Rangers.
Gardiner said following his appointment: “I like what I have seen on the park in terms of the style of football being encouraged by the manager and the hard work of the board of directors to create a more sustainable business model. “Their commitment to promoting a youth development system is also highly commendable.
“I am also fully aware of the challenges facing the club in terms of reduced income from playing in the Championship for a second season.
“That said, the numerous meetings and phone calls I have had with the various board members over the last couple of weeks have convinced me that we can make a positive impact on the football club, both on and off the pitch.”
Gardiner said he would be focusing on creating a “strong support team” to bring in the financial clout needed to “field a side capable of progressing to the Premiership”.
He added: “There is no doubt that a successful football side in Inverness is good for the city.”
Graham Rae, club chairman, welcomed the appointment, and said: “Scot has attended a number of our games this season and I have always been impressed with his knowledge of the game, both on and off the park.
“He has a wealth of experience in the football and business world and is highly regarded in the game.”