Brian Davies Insists Sport Wales Can Make A Difference

By Paul Jones

New Sport Wales chief executive Brian Davies insists the organisation is equipped to face the changing landscape for sport, health and fitness throughout Wales.

Having been acting CEO for the past 18 months, Davies has been confirmed as the long-term successor to Sarah Powell.

Davies – a one-time rugby union player with Saracens – has worked in the sports sector for 25 years and joined Sport Wales back in 2008.

NEWS.

Brian Davies OBE has been appointed CEO of Sport Wales.

It follows a period of 18 months as Acting CEO.

The appointment has been ratified by Welsh Government and is effective immediately. @BrianDavies09 https://t.co/h2wln2amBY

— Sport Wales (@sportwales) March 27, 2023

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.

“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,” said Davies.

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.”

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