19 January, 2023
Badminton England is pleased to announce that Board of Directors member Peter Emptage has been elected as the new Interim Chair, overseeing the role until June 2024.
Following the sad passing of former Chair Mike Robinson, Peter will step in until Badminton England’s next annual general meeting where a permanent Chair will be elected.
Peter has devoted endless amounts of time to the sport and its development, with more than 40 years of experience as both a player and an administrator.
Alongside running his business as a chartered architect, Peter sits on the Board of Directors with ample knowledge and expertise on and off the court.
As part of a stellar playing career, Peter is a World Senior, European Senior and All England Masters medallist.
He also acts as an advisor for both the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and BWF (Badminton World Federation), two roles of high importance looking ahead to an Olympic summer.
In 2023, Peter was elected onto the Badminton Europe Board of Directors in Baku, Azerbaijan and has always committed himself to increasing participation at a national, continental and regional level.
“We’re committed to carrying on the legacy Mike left us. We want more people, from all backgrounds, to fall in love with badminton in the same way that I did all those years ago.” – Peter Emptage
Peter will combine his passion for advancing pathways in line with Badminton England’s 10-year strategy which will further grow the profile of the sport by committing to coaching, facilities and outreach across all age groups.
His dedicated voluntary work has been well-received for many years within the badminton community and all parties feel Peter is a perfect fit for the interim role.
Badminton England is looking forward to seeing Peter take on the role with immediate effect until a permanent Chair is elected in June.
Upon his appointment, Peter said, “Taking on the role of Interim Chair of our fantastic sport is both an honour and privilege and I’m obviously thrilled to be given this opportunity in a sport that has given me so much.
“Sadly, my excitement is dampened by the circumstances, and the sudden loss of Mike Robinson, our former Chair, as well as the recent passing of our President has left a big gap in our community.
“We’re committed to carrying on the legacy Mike left us. We want more people, from all backgrounds, to fall in love with badminton in the same way that I did all those years ago.
“I’m really looking forward to working with and supporting the Badminton England Senior Leadership Team and my fellow Directors to deliver our strategy.
“Badminton is one of the most inclusive of all sports and our vision is to enable more children and young people to experience the joy of playing.”
Chief Executive, Sue Storey added, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Peter Emptage as Chair of Badminton England.
“He is already so dedicated and passionate about badminton and I am sure will always bring the voice of the community into our discussions as we continue to develop the sport.
“The passing of our former Chair Mike Robinson came too soon and we all remain saddened by this loss.
“I cannot think of a better legacy to all the work Mike did than Peter’s commitment to continuing to deliver our strategy and getting more people to pick up a racket and hit a shuttle. Welcome to the role Peter!”
