Paul Thomas – shortlisted for Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘most influential leader’ award of 2015 – has been named as the new chair of Sport Wales. The Welsh government appointed Thomas as successor to Laura McAllister, who was at the end of her second three-year term.

As well as leading on major projects for UK Sport and Sport England, Thomas is the founder of creative think tank DNA Definitive and has become known by the wider public as BBC Wales’ ‘Business Doctor’. Thomas has spoken at TEDx conferences and spent time consulting in India, China, Malaysia, Pakistan and parts of Europe – gaining significant experience in the development and implementation of leadership within varying cultural environments.

A certified canoe instructor, his more recent (and local) achievements include setting up a new community fitness gym in Ebbw Vale.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE
Taking up his position, Thomas says he wants to deliver Sport Wales’ vision of “uniting a proud sporting nation,” in which everyone in Wales was “fit and enjoying life through the benefits of sport.”

“Over the past decade I have worked in regions all over the world, making a difference to the health and wellbeing of people, leaders and organisations,” he adds. “It’s such a privilege to be able to use that experience to play a part in the future of Welsh sport.

“Having grown up in the South Wales valleys – and played sport most of my life – I’m certain of the benefits sport can have on people’s health and wellbeing. Sport has provided me with great opportunities and skills, so to be appointed to this role by the government is a real privilege.

CLEAR VISION
One of Thomas’ priorities will be driving and facilitating a new approach to community sport that “creates a clear line of sight” between Welsh government goals and investment decisions, and the needs and challenges of clubs, communities, coaches, athletes and volunteers who are delivering sport.

He will be expected to galvanise the sport sector in Wales to deliver against the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and to do that by maximising the collective effort and investment of Sport Wales and their partners in NGBs, local authorities and the third and private sectors.

“I look forward to meeting all those involved in grassroots sport,” he says. “I want to help in some way to create a new future for the generations of communities throughout Wales; making us even stronger, more active and resilient.

“I’m also looking forward to working with the board and everyone involved at Sport Wales to help it deliver the vision of ‘Uniting a Proud Sporting Nation’ but one in which everyone in Wales is active, fit and enjoying life through the benefits of sport.”

TEAM LEADER
Welsh deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism, Ken Skates, said Thomas was elected for his “vision, passion and commitment, along with his knowledge and experience in leadership and management.”

“We want to break down barriers to participation in sport and physical activity,” Skates said. “We aim to create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to become hooked on sport for life. I’m confident Paul’s qualities, experience and commitment will help the Welsh Government deliver a more physically active and successful sporting nation.”

In his role, Thomas will lead an 11-strong board of directors and will work closely with Sport Wales CEO Sarah Powell. Sport Wales currently employs around 160 staff, based across four locations, with a head office in Cardiff and a string of regional offices in Carmarthen, Deeside and Caernarfon.