Mackay, who played three one-day internationals for Zimbabwe, succeeds Malcolm Cannon following his resignation in July.

He will start the position on October 21.

The 52-year-old's last role was managing director of English Premiership rugby club Worcester Warriors.

Mackay, who has 17 years of experience in sports management, has previously worked for Sussex County Cricket Club and Surrey County Cricket Club.

He served as chief executive of Sussex for two years between 2006 and 2008 before moving on to become managing director at Surrey.

"This is an exciting time for the game in Scotland and I am delighted to have been appointed chief executive," Mackay said. 

"I have been impressed with the clear vision, strategy and, more importantly, commitment of the Board to achieve full member status of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"This will help us achieve our vision to make cricket mainstream in Scotland and thereby ensure the long term sustainability of the game here.

"Clearly cricket in Scotland is progressing in the right direction for both the men’s and women’s game, as demonstrated by the ICC rankings, while Scotland is regarded as one of the top Associate Countries.

"I look forward to working with all the stakeholders involved in the game from colleagues, clubs, schools, regional associations, supporters, volunteers and commercial partners to drive a bottom up approach to achieving our goals in the new strategy."