UK Deaf Sport appoints new Executive Chair
UK Deaf Sport (UKDS) announces the appointment of a new Executive Chair on the national charity's Broad. Piers Martin succeeds Philip Gerrard who, after seven successful years as Chair, announced his decision to step down.
Piers Martin has been Trustee on the UK Deaf Sport Board since 2014. He is currently Managing Director of The Podium Group, a role he has held since 2012, and is a lecturer in Sport Strategy and Performance.
Previously, Piers was the CEO of British Fencing and has worked with a range of Olympic and Paralympic sports - British Swimming, Bobsleigh, Takewondo, Wheelchair Fencing, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby as well as UK Sport, the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee and a range of businesses.
Craig Crowley MBE, Honorary President of UKDS, commented:
"We were lucky enough to have strong and committed Board members and it was clear to us that when a new strategy was needed Philip felt it would be best served if someone could take on the chair role with executive responsibility with immediate effect. Both he and the Board felt Piers was the best choice to take it forward."
Crowley continues:
"He has a strong record in both managing and chairing sport-related organisations, better understanding of UK Deaf Sport’s operations through his role as a Board member and a strong empathy with our ethos, culture and commitment to serving our deaf and hard of hearing athletes. I am delighted, Piers is the right person to chair the Board for the next phase of its development."
Commenting on his appointment, UKDS Executive Chair, Piers Martin said:
“Throughout my time on the Board, I have admired the strength of the organisation and strongly endorse the common values shared throughout and the consistent focus on putting participation, talent and governance at the heart of our organisation’s work. It will be an absolute pleasure to become Executive Chair, and I look forward to leading a robust strategy to inspire more deaf and hard of hearing people to choose sport.”
UK Deaf Sport is a National Disability Sports Organisation and recognised strategic lead for deaf sport across the UK. Their mission is to build a world leading system to enable more deaf people to participate and reach their full potential in sport.
Philip Gerrard, UKDS Board member, commented:
“It has been a great privilege to have been the Chair of UK Deaf Sport for almost seven years. It is an organisation that I helped to co-found in 2003, built strong relationships with National Governing Bodies culminated with successful funding from Sport England which I am proud of its achievements to date. I am delighted Piers is the right person to chair the Board for the next phase of its restructuring development. I will continue to support Piers and everyone at UKDS Board level to ensure we work towards every successful outcomes in the future.”
