BBF appoints three new board members

The British Basketball Federation (BBF) has announced the appointment of three new independent non-executive members to its Board of directors.

British basketball legend Martin Henlan joins the board, along with Melissa Lawton, currently Chief Content Officer for SailGP and another former basketball player and coach, Katy Adamson, who is currently leading major programmes for Jaguar Land Rover.

All will serve an initial term of four years.

The appointments were confirmed following a recruitment process overseen by Imogen Baird, UK Head of the Sports Practice at recruitment consultants, Perrett Laver.

“We were delighted with the number and calibre of applications that we received for these important posts,” BBF Chair, Chris Grant said.

“GB Basketball is going through an exciting and important phase as we build capacity within the organisation that will enable us to grow the sport and achieve results on the court.

“Katy, Martin and Melissa bring a wealth of knowhow and experience in different areas, and they share a passion for basketball and the determination to elevate the sport. The existing Board members are looking forward to working with them. We are grateful not only to the successful candidates, but to everyone who put themselves forward for these critical roles.”

Commenting on her appointment, Katy Adamson said: “It is an honour to be selected as one of the youngest members of the BBF Board. During my term I aim to provide unwavering support in developing, implementing, and sustaining systems and processes dedicated to elevating the game and enhancing our performance as a nation.

“I joined the Board to bring an innovative, solution-oriented, and fresh perspective with the emphasis on placing the voices of our current and future athletes at the heart of everything we do.”

Melissa Lawton also reacted to her appointment: “I am delighted to join the BBF Board and ready to work with fellow Board members, old and new, to continue the steep growth trajectory of the sport in Great Britain. Most of all, I look forward to seeing the Board’s clear goals of delivering home medals come to fruition, while shining a spotlight on the energy and diversity of the elite players for British sports fans.”

Martin Henlan added: “I am excited and honoured to join the Board of the BBF. I look forward to using my experience and expertise to support the new strategy for GB Basketball at all levels.”

The recruitment of the three independent non-executive Board members follows the recent appointment of Simon Turner, who was nominated to join the BBF Board by Basketball Scotland.

The appointment has a special personal significance for Simon as he explained: “I’ve been waiting to follow in the footsteps of my late mentor, Bill McInnes, by joining the BBF Board.

“The recent changes in governance and directors made this the right time to step up and be part of the change our basketball community needs.”

The new Board members will serve a four-year term and will be joining three other independent directors, and five who, like Turner, have been nominated by the home country governing bodies.