England Hockey has announced the appointment of Kate Swann as an independent Non-Executive Director.
With more than 27 years’ worth of experience at the forefront of business in this country and overseas, she will bring her acumen and insight to England Hockey as we drive forward with our vision of creating a Nation Where Hockey Matters. With England Hockey hosting the Women’s Hockey World Cup in London in 2018, the appointment of a businesswoman of Kate’s stature will only serve to advance our sport even further.
Kate has been listed among the 50 most powerful women in international business and is an award-winning CEO, having transformed the fortunes of WH Smith before becoming CEO at SSP Group plc, a global food and beverage business with a £2billion turnover.
England Hockey Non-Executive Chairman Royston Hoggarth said, “On behalf of the board of directors I would like to officially welcome Kate to England Hockey. We are very fortunate to have her offer her insight, expertise and drive to our sport. Her career speaks for itself and she is rightly regarded as one of the leading businesswomen in this country.
“Kate’s appointment comes at a time when our sport continues to grow exponentially; last year we successfully hosted the Unibet EuroHockey Championships and then the Hockey Champions Trophy just last month. With the men’s World League next year and the Women’s Hockey World Cup in 2018, Kate’s arrival can only further heighten our potential for growth and represents a considerable coup for us as a sport.”
Kate Swann said, “I feel very honoured to be joining the board of England Hockey and look forward enormously to working with Royston, Chief Executive Sally Munday and the team. England Hockey has already made great strides, both in terms of major events but also with regards to participation across all ages. As a passionate hockey fan I look forward to helping shape our strategy going forward.”
Women’s World Cup 2018
England Hockey hosts the Women’s Hockey World Cup in London in the summer of 2018, with the world’s best teams competing for one of the most prestigious titles in hockey at our Olympic legacy venue the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. A number of corporate opportunities are available including title sponsorship, if you would like to discuss further please contact Graham Swanson on Graham.Swanson@englandhockey.co.uk / 01628 897520.
Kate Swann Biography
Kate took up the role of CEO at SSP Group plc in September 2013 following 10 years as CEO of WH Smith. SSP is a £2bn turnover food & beverage business operating in 30 countries around the world. In July 2014 SSP listed on the London Stock Exchange and was voted new company of the year at the PLC awards.
During Kate’s decade at WH Smith the business was transformed into a business primarily focussed on travel retail. The financial performance of the business during Kate’s tenure led to her being awarded the Daily Telegraph Award for a decade of excellence in Business at the National Business Awards and the Chairman’s Special Award for contribution to turnaround from the Institute for Turnaround. In 2006 Fortune Magazine listed Kate as amongst the 50 most powerful women in business internationally.
Prior to WH Smith Kate was Managing Director of Argos, the UK’s leading general merchandise retailer. Kate joined Argos in December 2000 from Homebase Ltd, where she was promoted to Managing Director after three years with the company.
She began her career at Tesco in 1989 as a graduate trainee and throughout her career, held a number of senior marketing roles within retail and FMCG Companies at Homepride Foods, Coca Cola and Dixons Group plc.
She graduated from the University of Bradford with a degree in Business Management in 1986 and was awarded an honorary degree from Bradford in 2007. In 2015 Kate was announced as the new Chancellor of the University of Bradford having sat on its advisory board for the previous 8 years.
Kate has held a number of Non-Executive positions during her career including at British Land PLC and Babcock PLC.
Report courtesy of England Hockey
