The Scottish FA announced the appointment of Ian Maxwell as its new chief executive.

Ian Maxwell, 42, will join the Scottish FA at the end of the season from his role as managing director of Partick Thistle.

Ian’s career in football began at Hampden as a player with Queen’s Park. Before retiring in 2010, he also played for Ross County, St Johnstone, St Mirren and Partick Thistle.

Following his playing career, Maxwell moved into management, first as assistant manager to Ian McCall at Partick Thistle and then as general manager with the Firhill club.

He was promoted to managing director in 2014 and in recent years also served on the boards of the Scottish FA and the SPFL.

Alan McRae, Scottish FA President said: “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.”

Maxwell said: “This is a very proud moment for myself and my family.

“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.”

Ian will start his new role at Hampden Park on May 21.