BRITISH FENCING BOARD APPOINTS SARA PANTULIANO AS CHAIR

Following an extensive open recruitment process, the BF Board is delighted to announce Sara Pantuliano as its new Chair, succeeding Mark Lyttle whose tenure ends following eight years of outstanding service.

Sara brings a wealth of experience to the position, with a strong track record in global affairs and international development. She has held a range of senior leadership positions with the United Nations, the not-for-profit sector and academia, including latterly as the chief executive of the ODI, one of the world’s leading think tanks. Sara was made a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List.

Speaking about her appointment, Sara said: “I believe there are considerable opportunities for fencing to flourish at all levels, from community clubs up to elite competition, in ways that maximise inclusion and diversity. I am eager to bring my personal enthusiasm for the sport and my leadership experience to be of service to British Fencing and its members, and support growth and interest in fencing from a wide variety of stakeholders.”

British Fencing Board Director Yashmin Harun, who chaired the Nominations Committee, said: “Sara was the outstanding candidate in a very strong field and a highly competitive recruitment process. Thank you to everyone who applied and to those that supported the process, in particular my fellow directors Pat Aiyenuro, John Troiano, Brian Brittain, UK Sport and and executive search firm Hartmann Mason. On behalf of the Board and the members, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mark for his outstanding service to the Board and to fencing over the last eight years.”

Daryl Mason from Hartmann Mason noted: “There was considerable interest in this chair position, with candidates noting the excellent programmes and progress within the sport. They could clearly see that there is strong potential for further growth and exciting opportunities ahead. It was a pleasure to work with the Nominations Committee and we are pleased that British Fencing has been able to appoint such a wonderful chair as Sara Pantuliano to build on the great work that Mark Lyttle has done over his terms.”

Outgoing Chair, Mark Lyttle, said: “I’m delighted that the Board has agreed to appoint Sara Pantuliano as the new Chair of British Fencing. I have very much enjoyed my time on the Board and have had the privilege under my tenure of seeing, amongst others, a new, inclusive Athlete Development Programme emerge from the old World Class Programme; the transfer of responsibilities from British Disability Fencing to BF; and BF come out of the Covid period stronger than ever. I am very proud of what we have achieved together and it has been an honour and privilege to do the role. I wish Sara and the Board all the very best for the future.”