Charlie Ford appointed new Chief Executive Officer

Volleyball England, the governing body for volleyball, beach volleyball and sitting volleyball, is delighted to announce the appointment of Charlie Ford as Chief Executive Officer.

Charlie is currently the Head of Operations & Transformation of England Boxing. He will join Volleyball England in October 2022.

During his 16 months at England Boxing, 4 of which he spent as Interim CEO, Charlie led on the sports body's review of their 2022-27 strategy, acquired a 60% increase in Sport England funding, pioneered a new apprenticeship programme, and project managed digital upgrades from a compliance and safeguarding perspective. 

Prior to joining England Boxing, Charlie worked for Basketball England across a number of roles, culminating in being appointed Chief Operating Officer. 

That time at Basketball England notably included leading on all aspects of return to play following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, which allowed for the 2020/21 season to go ahead within the senior National Leagues, and driving forward equality, diversity and inclusion reforms. 

In all, Charlie has 14 years' experience in sport at all levels including in community, participation, workforce and England and GB Talent pathways and programmes. 

Prior to his career in sport, Charlie spent 9 years within the financial sector with Citi Group and Prudential in commercial and corporate banking. 

Outside of work, Charlie is a published children's book author and a former basketball player turned volunteer with the Derby Trailblazers Basketball Club. He helps with the administration and development of the community club and coaches all levels of the game, from grassroots to international.

Adam Walker, Chair of Volleyball England, said: "We are delighted to recruit somebody of Charlie's calibre. He has a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of working in governing bodies from his time at England Boxing and Basketball England.

"Charlie did incredibly well and shone within our recruitment process, which attracted an incredibly strong group of candidates.  

"He has a great personality that we think will gel well with the Volleyball Family. He showed a tremendous passion for developing volleyball and a clear vision for how to take the strategy forward. I'm excited to see what we can achieve with Charlie at the helm." 

Charlie Ford added: "I am excited to bring my experience, desire, and passion to help drive and bring value to Volleyball England, its affiliated clubs, regions, stakeholders, partners and members. 

"The initial period of my tenure will include a significant amount of listening, understanding, and identifying opportunities both in the immediate and longer term aligned to our Game Plan strategy.

"I would like to thank the Volleyball England Board for this amazing opportunity, and I look forward to working with the head office team and the army of dedicated volunteers throughout the country to unpack and realise volleyball's growth potential."