Sir Rodney Walker, the chairman of World Snooker, has announced the formation of his new WPBSA Board, which will take place in May after the World Championships.
The four new appointments are:
Sir Robin Miller – Chairman of HMV, Chairman of Sport England (Eastern)
David Richards – Chairman of the FA Premier League, FA Board Member
Adrian Metcalfe OBE – Chairman of AMDM, Olympic Silver Medallist
Peter Ebdon – 2002 Embassy World Champion, ranked No 7 in world
Sir Rodney has acted quickly following the overwhelming backing he received from the players at an Extraordinary General Meeting on March 16 to restructure the way the sport is run and to appoint new non-executive directors.
‘I promised the players that we would bring in people of the highest calibre and I hope they will feel that is what we have done,’ said Sir Rodney. ‘I am delighted that they all said ‘yes’ without too much persuasion. We needed to attract credible individuals who can actively help to move the sport forward.
‘We have a big job on our hands, but, with the experience, skills and contacts that Sir Robin, David Richards and Adrian Metcalfe bring with them, I am confident that snooker could not be in better hands.
‘I am also thrilled that Peter Ebdon has agreed to join the Board. He is highly respected within the sport and I also appreciate that he is one of the top professionals in the game, so for him to agree to take on this extra role is an immense bonus for snooker. I would like to thank him most sincerely for supporting the sport in this way.’
Jim McMahon and Tony Murphy, who are members of the current WPBSA Board, have agreed to continue as directors at Sir Rodney’s request.
Sir Rodney said: ‘The impetus for the changes that are now taking place came in a large part from the existing WPBSA Board and Jim and Tony were the prime movers in that. They each have expertise and valuable snooker experience and I am delighted that they have agreed to carry on. I feel the balance of the new Board is just what I would have wanted. Now we can go forward.’
Sir Robin Miller took over as Chairman of HMV in February. Previously he was Chairman and Chief Executive of publishing group EMAP. He was instrumental in EMAP’s transformation into an international media company from a predominantly local newspaper business. He is also a director of Channel Four TV.
David Richards has played a key part in the dramatic success of the FA Premier League. He has been Chairman since 1999 and is also a director of the Football Association and Chairman of the Football Foundation.
Adrian Metcalfe won a silver medal in the 4×400 metres relay team in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and has spent his life in sport and television. He is currently Chairman of AMDM which represents the broadcast interests of several international sports federations. He has been a member of the UK Sports Council since 1999.
Peter Ebdon’s most memorable moment came in May 2002, when he defeated the legendary Stephen Hendry 18-17 in one of the greatest finals of all time. His most recent victory was just ten days ago when he won the Citywest Irish Masters.
Ebdon said: ‘I am pleased to have been asked to join the new Board and I hope that snooker can now look forward to a more positive future. I think I speak for most of the players when I say that there is enormous encouragement and support for Sir Rodney being at the helm of our sport.’
Contact: World Snooker Media Office on 0117-317-8200