Sport Wales have today named Acting Chief Executive Officer, Brian Davies OBE as their new CEO.
Davies was appointed to the role following a highly competitive recruitment process that was supported by independent consultants, Goodson Thomas.
With a proven track-record, Davies has previously led an overhaul of the organisation’s approach to high-performance sport, bringing in a highly acclaimed and more sustainable approach to athlete development. He also led Team Wales as Chef de Mission in one of their most successful Commonwealth Games at Glasgow 2014, gaining his OBE honour for services to sport shortly after.
A former Saracens player, the new CEO has over 25 years in the sport sector, re-joining Sport Wales in 2008 as High-Performance Manager, following a stretch at Wales Golf. He will take up the new role, following an 18-month period as Acting CEO.
Speaking on his appointment Brian said:
“It is a real honour to be given the opportunity to continue leading Sport Wales. We are at a point where there is a great task ahead of us and we need to orchestrate the differences to make real impacts against this, but I believe that we have fantastic people working within sport in Wales, who are determined to fundamentally make a positive difference to the sector and the people of Wales."
Sport Wales Chair, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson said:
“Through his period as Acting CEO, Brian has led the organisation through the coronavirus pandemic, and overseen major operational changes to position the organisation and sector to better deliver the Vision for Sport in Wales.
“As a sector we are aware that there is still a lot that we must do if we want to create a truly active nation, where everyone has the opportunity to take part and enjoy the benefits of sport. I have full confidence that while we no doubt have some difficult challenges ahead of us, Brian’s passion, knowledge and integrity will be an asset as we look to continue making strides towards this."
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Brian Davies to the role of Chief Executive of Sport Wales. Brian has played a vital role in leading the organisation on an interim basis since 2021. He brings a wealth of experience and detailed knowledge of sport in Wales, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to deliver our shared ambitions for the sector.”
The appointment has been ratified by Welsh Government and is effective immediately.