NEWS - BOARD DIVERSITY

As highlighted in the UK Sport and Sport England Code for Sports Governance, which came into effect in April 2017, diversity in sports sector boardrooms is still an issue and requires sustainable change.

Following our rigorous and transparent procedure, based on merit, Hartmann Mason have successfully introduced more females into Board positions for many of the sporting national governing bodies. This is assisting NGBs in achieveing the target of a minimum of 30% of each gender on their Boards. 

Our ability to understand, research and connect with individuals both from within sport and from other commercial sectors sets us apart. This approach has enabled sporting bodies we have worked with to appoint candidates who are able to develop the organisational and commercial strands of the body and drive change.

Below are details of just a few of the females we have introduced to NGBs who have diverse sector experience and functional expertise that has enhanced the Boards they have joined.

LONDON SPORT - Tove Okunniwa - CEO

Tove Okunniwa, former Chief Executive of Havas Sport & Entertainment and Head of Marketing for BBC Sport, has beenappointed as London Sport's new Chief Executive. Tove also serves as Deputy Chair of England Boxing and is a passionate advocate for diversity and equality. She brings substantial commercial acumen and a firm belief in the importance of empowering people's lives through physical activity and sport.

GB TAEKWONDO - Julia Newton - Chair

Julia has been a highly successful entrepreneur, founder and Managing Director of Shine, a leading communications and marketing consultancy and has a strong awareness of sports business. She has also been Chair and NED for two other organisations and has an excellent awareness of the need for sound governance in a publicly funded organisation.

BASKETBALL ENGLAND - Clare Wardle - Chair 

Clare’s appointment coincided with her move to Coca-Cola European Partners as General Counsel and Company Secretary. She has an impressive legal and business background and has previously served as General Counsel of a FTSE 100 organisation, Kingfisher plc. Clare has previously held leadership positions at Tube Lines Limited and the Royal Mail Group.

SPORTS COACH UK - Gillian Wilmot - Chair

Gillian’s executive career included launching the ground-breaking Next Directory and starting the transformation and turnaround of the Royal Mail. She has worked with tech entrepreneurs and start-ups and herportfolio includes energy, tech and store and on-line retail. 

ROUNDERS ENGLAND - Ruth Daniels - Chair

Ruth is a Board level business leader and qualified lawyer with strong credentials in shaping strategy, delivering change and managing internal and external stakeholders. With over 20 years of experience, she has acted for multi-media, technology and sports related clients in one of the world’s leading law firms, and within global B2B and B2C businesses. 

BRITISH CANOEING - Bronagh Kennedy - Non-Executive Director

Bronagh Kennedy is a highly experienced Company Secretary and General Counsel who has worked for Severn Trent since June 2011. Previously Bronagh held a similar role at Mitchells & Butlers, where she worked for 15 years. Prior to that she was a Senior Associate at Allen & Overy.

GB BOXING - Lucy Walker - Non-Executive Director 

A Chartered Accountant, Lucy has held finance roles with Whitbread, Tesco and most recently has been a member of the Executive team as Finance & IT Director for Camelot, the operator of the National Lottery.

For further information regarding our services please visit www.hartmannmason.com or contact Daryl Mason on 07787 102571 or Kate Mason on 07525 487579