British Cycling is pleased to announce that experienced marketing professional Leah Davis has joined its board of directors, providing valuable commercial, marketing and strategic expertise to the organisation’s leadership team.
Davis’s previous roles include leading on brand transformation, marketing strategy and digital output for Team GB at the British Olympic Association through the London 2012 and Rio 2016 cycles, and more recently Director of Marketing and Communications for the Laureus World Sports Awards. In September 2020 she set up Sporthouse Consulting, with a focus on delivering purpose driven growth and value in the sport and entertainment industries.
In recent years Davis has been recognised for her contribution to the marketing industry, being nominated for Marketing Leader of the Year (Marketing Society 2017), Marketer of the Year (The Drum) and the Campaign Power 100. She has also recently completed courses in Sustainable Business Strategy from Harvard Business School, building on a passion for sustainable business growth and social impact marketing.
Davis formally began her role in September following the departure of Alex Russell, who served as an independent director for six years.
British Cycling Independent Chair, Frank Slevin, said:
“We are excited to be welcoming Leah to the board of directors. Leah brings with her a wealth of brand, marketing and digital experience and a first-class understanding and awareness of the elite sport landscape.
“During this year, the importance of our digital output has never been clearer, as millions of people across the country looked to British Cycling for advice, support and inspiration for their riding. I’m sure that the addition of Leah’s insight and knowledge will be hugely valuable, as we look to develop new and innovative ways to help people learn to ride, develop their skills and knowledge and cheer on the Great Britain Cycling Team in the years ahead.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to Alex Russell, who has now left her position as an independent director after six years in the role. On behalf of the board and the Executive Leadership Team I’d like to thank Alex for her commitment, counsel and ongoing passion for our sport, and wish her all the best for the future.”
Leah Davis added:
“I am delighted to be joining such an experienced and dynamic board at British Cycling. From grassroots through to the elite end of the scale, it is a particularly exciting time to be part of the organisation and I look forward to lending my support to realise some of the new opportunities that lie ahead.”
British Cycling board of directors
Frank Slevin: Independent Chair
Marian Lauder MBE: Senior Independent Director
Sharon Bridgland-Gough: Independent
Leah Davis: Independent
Peter King CBE: Nominated by the English Regions
Nick Smith: Nominated by Welsh Cycling
Kathy Gilchrist: Nominated by Scottish Cycling
Richard Lodge: Vice-chair, Elected
Nicholas Lumb: Elected
Tabitha Rendall: Elected
Julie Watts: Elected
Julie Harrington: Ex-officio member of the board
