Kath Russ Appointed As Chair Of England Hockey Board

England Hockey is pleased to announce that Kath Russ will be appointed as the new Chair of the Board and will succeed Royston Hoggarth when he steps down in Autumn 2024.

Russ, who will begin her new role from October 2024, brings with her a wealth of experience, having enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career as a preeminent lawyer, along with over a decade of senior leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. She served as the Executive Chair of the international law firm Travers Smith, until 2023, and has since pursued a successful non-executive career. With a keen interest and passion for the sporting sector, Russ currently serves as a non-executive director at British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). Additionally, she holds the position of non-executive commissioner for the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, and is a member of the Council of JUSTICE, the leading human rights charity.

Russ’s love for hockey traces back to her school days, where she spent many happy years playing the sport, including competing for Oxford University against her sister in the Blues match. In recent years, she has continued to engage with the sport, introducing her sons to hockey and enjoying watching them compete during their early school years.

On her appointment Russ said: “I am honoured and excited to take on the role of Chair of the England Hockey Board. As someone who has enjoyed a lifelong passion for hockey, I am delighted to have the opportunity to use my experience and expertise to further develop the success of our game. I look forward to working closely with the Board, our new president, the staff and wider workforce, the broader hockey community, and other stakeholders to ensure a bright and successful future for hockey in England.”

Royston Hoggarth, current England Hockey Chair said “I will be delighted to welcome Kath to the England Hockey Board. I am confident she will work well with the team to take our sport forward in the years ahead. It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to be Chair, I am grateful for the support of the Board, our funding partners, UK Sport and Sport England, EuroHockey, the International Federation FIH and all our clubs and members. I look forward to supporting working with Kath over the summer as I hand over my duties and I look forward to remaining in contact with the hockey family in the years ahead.”

Anne-Marie Garner, Chair of the England Hockey Nominations Committee, expressed her delight in welcoming Russ as the new Chair of the England Hockey Board saying: “Following a thorough recruitment process, we are confident that Kath is the ideal leader to guide England Hockey in the coming years. Under her stewardship, we are certain that the board will continue to thrive and lead with excellence. On behalf of England Hockey, I would like to extend our gratitude to Royston for his outstanding leadership and dedication in chairing the England Hockey Board since 2015. His contributions have been invaluable in shaping the organisation's journey and achievements during his tenure, and we wish him the best of luck for his future endeavours."