Paul Davies has taken over as chief executive of the BMC
A former manager of England Netball and British Wheelchair Basketball has been appointed chief executive of the British Mountaineering Council.
Paul Davies was confirmed in the post after six months as interim chief executive.
He replaced Dave Turnbull who stepped down as previous CEO.
Mr Davies was a keen climber in his 20s and 30s until work and family took him away from the hills. He still enjoys hillwalking, including solo wild camping trips.
He was hired as an interim executive of the Manchester-based organisation and then took the role of interim chief executive in November last year.
The BMC represents climbers, mountaineers and hillwalkers in England and Wales.
A spokesperson for the organisation said: “Having more than 20 years’ experience in the elite sport world and a lifelong passion for the outdoors, Paul easily settled into the role of CEO despite having to immediately deal with difficulties caused by the pandemic.
“Hillwalking, climbing and mountaineering are rapidly growing and the BMC is evolving to stay at the centre of this transformation and provide a united voice for our diverse community of climbers, hillwalkers and mountaineers.
“From starting as an exercise physiologist working for the British Olympic Association, Paul took a number of roles before becoming performance director for England Netball and then moving on to British Wheelchair Basketball.
Dave Turnbull stepped down as chief executive. Photo: Bob Smith/grough
“The next few years Paul opted to work more flexibly as a consultant, supporting sports in the development of their strategic plans and on their talent pathways and elite programmes.
“Paul has led and managed England Netball and British Wheelchair Basketball to multiple unprecedented successes effected with processes of significant change, created modern cultures of performance and professionalism, and authored and executed company-wide business strategies. One of Paul’s most memorable highlights was seeing England Netball complete a series whitewash of the Australian team in the winter test series 2013.”
Mr Davies said: “I’m delighted to be joining the BMC team at such an important time.
“I look forward to working with volunteers, staff and partners to deliver the new strategy and build the BMC into an organisation that every climber and hillwalker wants to join.”
BMC president Lynn Robinson said: “The BMC has been lucky to have Paul Davies as our interim CEO, and I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his successful appointment into the permanent position. I wish him and the BMC every success for the future”.
