THE Scottish FA has announced the appointment of Ian Maxwell as the governing body's new Chief Executive. 

The 42-year-old will depart his role as Managing Director of Partick Thistle on 21 May to take the reins at Hampden Park. 

Stewart Regan stepped down from the position in February after a disappointing Russia 2018 qualifying campaign and the subsequent failure to convince Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill to take over as Scotland boss. 

Maxwell represented Queen's Park, Ross County, St Johnstone, St Mirren and the Jags as a player before moving into assistant manager and general manager roles at Firhill. 

He was promoted to Managing Director in 2014 and has also served on the boards of the SFA and SPFL. 

"This is a very proud moment for myself and my family," said Maxwell. 

"Scottish football has been my life, from playing to coaching and on to managing a club. I am hugely excited about the role and facing into the big issues that we will need to tackle.

"The game means so much, to so many in this country. I will work tirelessly to serve all our members, support and lead the Scottish FA's staff and help bring everyone together to shape a better future for Scottish football."

Scottish FA President Alan McRae added: "Ian will bring a huge amount of football knowledge to the role.

"He has built up a terrific reputation in the industry and is respected across the game.

"Ian emerged from a robust recruitment process which attracted interest from a range of candidates across the UK and beyond.

"We were convinced that Ian's track record, communication skills and leadership qualities will allow him to grasp the challenges of today and fulfil our potential as an association and as a footballing nation in the future."

SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster also gave his backing to the appointment, saying: "This is clearly a crucial appointment for the SFA and for Scottish football more widely.

“Ian combines a superb track record of innovation and delivery as an administrator with a well-earned reputation as a ‘football man’.

“He is highly respected at all levels of the game and will command respect amongst clubs, fans and other partners. Having seen his positive impact on our SPFL Competitions Working Group, particularly driving change in the Betfred and IRN-BRU Cups, everyone at the SPFL is really looking forward to working with him for the good of the game.”