We are delighted to announce the appointment of Barry Cawte and Chris Emsley as Independent Non-Executive Directors at the Welsh Judo Association. Both arrive at a pivotal time within our new strategy, and we are excited by their experience and skillsets.   

Barry Cawte is the Chief Executive of Scottish Hockey, the third largest team sport in Scotland, with international teams competing at all levels right through to the Commonwealth Games. Barry is also a director of Great Britain Hockey, which is the entity responsible for ensuring GB Olympic success. Barry led Scottish Hockey to finalists as governing body of the year in Scottish sport in 2022.  
 
Barry previously served as Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA). His work there throughout the pandemic included trade unionism, negotiating long-term collective bargaining agreements and establishing commercial deals. 
 

In a new era for Tennis Wales, Barry became their first independent chair between 2018- 2022. Tennis Wales now has record levels of participation and funding and is seen by many as an exemplary governing body.  
 
Barry also led the doomed Swansea Tennis Centre from permanent closure to one of the best indoor tennis facilities in Wales. Barry has also worked as a consultant to the Tennis Foundation and Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and was the National Tennis Manager of Greenwich Leisure LTD which helped to turn the fortunes of several other tennis facilities across the UK

Chris Emsley comes to the Welsh Judo Association as a Senior Lecturer and Non-Executive Director with more than ten years of experience in Sport and Leisure, including roles at University of South Wales (USW), Wales Golf, Bowls Wales and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.  

Chris currently sits as Vice Chair of CIMSPA’s Welsh Professional Development Board, consulting with stakeholders, reviewing governance structures and gaining increased investment. At USW, Chris leads two undergraduate degrees in Sports Coaching and Development.  

With a wealth of experience and proven track records, their expertise will no doubt help with the continuous growth of the sport of Judo in Wales.  

Finally, we would like to express our thanks to Jo Melen and Kerry Pulvirenti who have both finished their tenures on the Board. Jo and Kerry will still be a key part of judo in Wales as they will be supporting on the mat at our regional hubs and national sessions.