Mr Dempster first became a Trustee in 2002 and was re-nominated for a further three year term by the Scottish Ministers at the beginning of 2005. He also currently serves as the Chairman of sportscotland, an appointment which finishes in June this year after six years of service. In addition, he has held the post of Chairman of the Scottish Community Foundation for seven years. He retired as Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland in 1998.
"I am both honoured and delighted to have been elected as Chairman of Trustees," said Mr Dempster. "The Links at St Andrews are both a wonderful asset for the local people and a key sporting icon for golfers around the world. I am looking forward to helping to ensure that they continue to be preserved, maintained and presented in a manner that meets the expectations of the many diverse interest groups."
A regular golfer, he is a member at Luffness and plays off a handicap of 16.