Sport Wales name Brian Davies OBE as Chief Executive Officer
Sport Wales today appointed acting Chief Executive Officer Brian Davies OBE as its new CEO.
Davies was called to the position after a hard-fought recruitment process assisted by Goodson Thomas, an independent consultant.
With a proven track record, Davies has previously led an overhaul of the organization’s approach to high-performance sport, introducing a highly acclaimed and more sustainable approach to athlete development. He also managed Team Wales as chef de mission at one of their most successful Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014 and received his OBE honor for services to sport shortly thereafter.
The new CEO, a former Saracens player, has been in the sports sector for over 25 years and returned to Sport Wales in 2008 as a high-performance manager after a stint at Wales Golf. He will assume the new role after 18 months as acting CEO.
Upon his appointment, Brian said:
“It’s a real honor to be given the opportunity to continue leading Sport Wales. We’ve come to a point where there’s a big task ahead of us and we need to orchestrate the differences to really do something about it, but I think we have fantastic people working in sport in Wales who are determined fundamentally to make a positive difference to the sector and the people of Wales.”
Sport Wales Chairwoman Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson said:
“During his time as Acting CEO, Brian has led the organization through the coronavirus pandemic, overseeing major operational changes to position the organization and sector to better execute the vision for sport in Wales.
“As an industry, we recognize that we still have work to do if we are to create a truly active nation where everyone has the opportunity to participate and enjoy the benefits of sport. I have every confidence that Brian’s passion, knowledge and integrity will be an asset, while we undoubtedly have some difficult challenges ahead as we seek to take further steps in this direction.”
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden said:
“I am delighted to welcome Brian Davies to the role of Chief Executive of Sport Wales. Brian has played a key role in leading the organization on an interim basis since 2021. He brings a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of sport in Wales and I look forward to continuing to work with him to achieve our shared ambitions for the sector. ”
The appointment has been confirmed by the Welsh Government and is effective immediately.