We are delighted to introduce four new faces to senior positions within Badminton England as we continue to strive to serve the badminton community in line with our long-term strategic aims and objectives.
Ben Nicholson | Commercial and Engagement Director
We are delighted to announce that Ben Nicholson will be joining Badminton England as our new Commercial and Engagement Director. Ben joins us with experience within sport and not-for-profit sectors, across commercial, business development, strategy and sport. Ben was previously Head of New Business at Loomery (a digital product agency) and Head of Business Development and Marketing at Oaks Consultancy (a strategy and fundraising agency).
During his time at Oaks, Ben worked with numerous NGBs to help them develop and implement their commercial strategies, alongside an interim commercial role supporting London Sport to diversify their income. Prior to this, Ben spent some of his career in the HE sector, with his last role as the Memberships Lead at the University of Warwick operating alongside acting as the University’s representative on both the UEFA U17 Championships and the OVO Women’s Cycle Tour.
In his spare time, you’ll generally find Ben watching or playing sport, or cooking for friends and family. Ben joins Badminton England on Monday 16th September.
Sam Jamieson | Strategy and Transformation DirectorÂ
We are delighted to announce that Samantha Jamieson has been appointed as the Strategy and Transformation Director at Badminton England (3 days per week). Sam has been working as a Special Projects Officer in the Development Team since Autumn 2023 and is now joining us on a permanent basis in a Director role.
Prior to joining Badminton England, Sam enjoyed nine years with Volleyball England, starting as a Regional Relationship Manager and ending as Deputy CEO.
Sam brings a wealth of knowledge around sports governance from a range of sports and we look forward to Sam driving forward our transformation strategy to ensure we are fit for purpose and compliant in all aspects of governance, compliance and business efficiency. Â In tandem with her role at Badminton England, Sam is also the Director of Business Operations at Beicio Cymru, two days per week.
George Wood | Sport Director
We are delighted to announce that George Wood has been appointed as the Sport Director at Badminton England. Many within the badminton community will know George as a previous Non-Executive Director on the Board and the previous chair of the Player Development Board.
George brings a wealth of experience and badminton knowledge to the role, having worked previously at Badminton England as the Community Game Director from 2007-2014 and also undertaken roles as a Coaching Manager and World Class Programmes Coordinator. George has previously worked as the Sport Development Director at Swim England and has also worked at Sport England as a Senior Client Manager – and he has had his own sports consultancy business. Away from work, George is a Senior Coach at Stony Stratford Cricket Club too. George starts full time with Badminton England on Monday 2nd September.
Mike Reid | Head of Development
Meanwhile, we are also delighted to announce that Mike Reid has successfully been appointed as our new Head of Development – congratulations Mike!
Mike has been working for the organisation as our Facilities Manager and he has more than 20 years experience in badminton ranging from playing, coaching, volunteering and working for BE. He also has a current supporting coach role with the Para team up in Sheffield.
Mike will be heading up a team of ten development staff and will report into the Sport Director. Mike has taken up this role officially from Sunday 1st September.
