Gillian is an experienced Chairman & Non-Executive Director and was recognised for governance excellence in the 2014 Sunday Times NED Awards. She runs Board Mentoring which works with CEOs and directors of leading UK and international companies. In 2012, she was appointed to the Industrial Development Advisory Board which advises Government on large investment projects and provides independent business advice to Ministers.
In all her leadership roles, including Board Mentoring and IWF UK, Gillian encourages communication, collaboration and support among women leaders. She is committed to bringing more women and under-represented groups into coaching, building their confidence and expanding their contribution to coaching through to elite levels.
Gillian’s executive career included launching the ground-breaking Next Directory and starting the transformation and turnaround of the Royal Mail. More recently, she has worked with with tech entrepreneurs and start-ups and her portfolio includes energy, tech and store and on-line retail. Gillian speaks on leadership, coaching and business issues and often comments on topical issues on TV and radio.
Her participative sporting interests include sailing, windsurfing, snowsports, swimming, golf and tennis. She enjoys watching a wide range of sports including rugby.
Commenting on her new role, Gillian said: "Sport has a critical role to play in all our lives which is recognised in the new government strategy for sport. Within this, coaching has a critical role to play in achieving a transformation in the health and fitness of the whole of society. I'm looking forward to developing the new sports coach UK strategy, based on our sound foundation of excellence in research, innovation and the technical expertise of our team.”
Rod Carr, Chair of UK Sport said: "We welcome Gillian to the sector at what is a critical time with the impending new government sports strategy. Coaching sits at the heart of everything we do and the success of our high performance system is dependent on high quality coaches. If as a nation we are committed to inspiring the next generation through sport to lead active and healthy lives then excellence in coaching at all levels will be critical to achieving this."
Sport England Chair, Nick Bitel said: “Given her outstanding business acumen and vast mentoring experience, Gillian will make a valuable contribution to sports coach UK. With a trailblazing career defined by her ability to innovate and deliver real results, as well as her inspirational work with Board Mentoring and IWF UK, Gillian will no doubt bring her tenacity, energy and know-how to this new role.”
Emma Boggis, Chief Executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance said: “It is great to hear of Gillian’s appointment. Having a well-trained, well-motivated and diverse coaching workforce is vital to the continued development of sport and recreation in this country. As a result, it matters to our members because they understand that high quality coaches can have a real life changing impact on people. I am sure sports coach UK will continue to flourish under Gillian’s leadership to help our members and the sector at large.”
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