The British Handball Association has appointed Chris Smith as the new Independent Chair of the Board of Directors. Chris Smith succeeds Paul Bray who steps down after almost eight years in the role. The appointment is effective immediately, but Paul Bray will work with the new Chair during an extended handover period.
Chris Smith has been an Independent Non-Executive Director of the England Handball Association, a position he has stepped down from to take-up his British Handball role. He was previously Chair of the London Handball Association from 2009-15. He comes from an educational background, having held senior positions at several successful schools in the London area.
Commenting on his appointment, Chris Smith said “I’m delighted to be appointed Chair of British Handball at this critical moment for the sport and I’d like to thank everyone for the support I’ve received to this point in pursuit of Olympic ambitions. I look forward to working with the Board, handball communities at all levels, partners and associates to raise the sport’s profile, grow wider success and make handball a leading sport in the UK.”
Commenting on the appointment, outgoing British Handball Chair, Paul Bray, said “ we are very pleased to have Chris take on the Chair role. He brings a wealth of handball governance experience and skills, which will be critical as we embark on the negotiations for the renewal of our UK Sport funding and further developments for the GB teams. I wish him and the Board every success for the future. I shall follow British Handball’s ongoing development with great interest.”
