Chair and Deputy Chair of the new NGB Coalition appointed

The Sport and Recreation Alliance is delighted to confirm former Rugby Football League (RFL) CEO, Ralph Rimmer OBE, as the Chair and Jack Baker as Deputy Chair of the new NGB Coalition.

Ralph has been appointed on a four year term, and will lead the work of the new NGB Coalition. He brings a wealth of experience in the sports sector, having served as the CEO of the RFL for five years from 2018 to 2022, during which time he oversaw the incredibly successful delivery of the Rugby World Cup 2021 on home soil.

He has also worked in senior roles at rugby league clubs and football clubs, and was recently appointed by the Football Association (FA) to lead on the reform and modernisation of the County FA network.

Jack Baker has been appointed as the Deputy Chair of the NGB Division. Jack joined the Lawn Tennis Association in April 2019, and is currently Head of Public Policy & Sustainability, responsible for all public affairs, policy and government engagement for the organisation.

Working across the UK, Welsh and Scottish Governments and Parliaments, he supports tennis in Britain from the grassroots through to the professional game, building advocacy, engagement and support for the LTA’s work. Jack has also served on the Alliance’s Board of Directors since 2022.

Both will serve four-year terms and act as ex-officio members of the Alliance’s Board of Directors.

Earlier this week, Andy Salmon, CEO of Swim England, was appointed as Chair of the NGB CEO Forum which will form part of the new NGB Coalition, serving a four-year term. The Alliance is now engaged in the recruitment process for the NGB Coalition Management Committee, which will help inform the work of the Coalition going forward. We are currently advertising for 2x independent members and an NGB Chair to join the Committee - please click here for more information about how to apply.

On being appointed as Chair, Ralph said:

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the Alliance’s new NGB Coalition and to help shape the Alliance’s work over the next four years.

“After a long career working in sport and for governing bodies, this represents a fantastic opportunity to work alongside the NGBs in promoting their objectives. The importance of the NGBs within the sporting landscape cannot be underestimated.

“It is clearly critical that as many people as possible are able to access the huge benefits on sport, and the role that the NGBs play in facilitating this access is vital. I feel that I have an understanding of the issues involved and hopefully can play a part in amplifying activity.  I look forward to helping the organisation build on the Alliance’s impressive recent work and ensure that we can create a happier, healthier nation through sport.”

Lisa Wainwright MBE, CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, said:

“We are incredibly pleased to have Ralph and Jack leading the NGB Coalition as we look to provide more targeted support to our NGB members, following the launch of our new strategy A United Voice for Sport and Recreation last summer.

“Both have a wealth of experience in the sports sector, and crucially, are well aware of the important role the Alliance can play in supporting our NGB members.

“We look forward to working closely with them, Andy Salmon and the wider NGB Coalition, and see this as an important step to achieving the goals set out in our new strategy. It will enable us to provide more targeted support, as we promote and advocate for our NGB members and create a more active nation together.”

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