SportsAid welcomes new appointments to Board and governance

Both bring valuable expertise and fresh perspectives to the organisation as it continues to champion aspiring athletes across the UK.

These appointments come at an exciting time for SportsAid as the charity celebrates its 50th anniversary and embarks on a new strategic chapter.

Since 1976, SportsAid has been the charity championing the next generation of British athletes, providing financial support, recognition and personal development opportunities to help emerging sporting talent reach their potential.

Dave Thomas brings more than three decades of experience in global financial services. He was previously Chief Executive Officer of Royal Bank of Canada Capital Markets Europe and Head of Wealth Management International, with responsibility for leading RBC’s Capital Markets and Wealth Management businesses across the UK, Channel Islands and Europe.

He will replace out going Chair Mike Westcott after nine years of service on the SportsAid Board.

Dave is an active supporter of charitable initiatives focused on young people. He serves on the Corporate Partnerships Board for Great Ormond Street Hospital and regularly participates in fundraising initiatives including Race for the Kids and Ride for the Kids.

He has also long been a supporter of SportsAid, acting as a mentor and ‘buddy” to young athletes supported by the charity.

Speaking on his appointment, he said:

“After a long association with SportsAid, during which I have admired the extraordinary work the organisation does to support athletes, I am delighted to have the opportunity to become Chair of the Board of Trustees.

“I look forward to being a part of the next chapter for the charity in its mission to enable talented athletes reach their potential and achieve their ambitions in sport and life.”

SportsAid is also pleased to welcome Claire Rogan as an independent member of the charity’s A&R Committee. Claire brings extensive experience in governance, financial strategy and risk management across sport and business.

Claire began her career in venture capital, spending more than a decade managing funds and supporting high-growth businesses through investment and expansion.

She later co-founded the sports marketing and data agency Two Circles, where she served as Chief Financial Officer for its first decade and helped guide the company’s growth from start-up to an internationally recognised sports business.

Claire currently serves as Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee for Premiership Women’s Rugby, bringing extensive experience in governance, financial oversight and strategic development within sport. She has also supported a number of charitable organisations.

Claire said:

“I’m privileged to be joining the Audit and Risk Committee at SportsAid as an independent member. SportsAid does extraordinary work in supporting young athletes at a pivotal stage in their journeys, and I’ve long admired the impact it has across British sport.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to strong governance and oversight, helping ensure the charity can continue to support the next generation of sporting talent.”

For five decades, SportsAid has supported athletes at the earliest and most challenging stages of their journey. Guided by its vision “From potential to personal best, whatever your story”, the charity is working towards a future where emerging talent can pursue their ambitions regardless of background, circumstances or income.

Tim Lawler MBE, SportsAid Chief Executive, said:

“In Dave and Claire we have two very skilled and passionate people joining the SportsAid team and I’m really looking forward to working with them both.  

"They are joining a strong non-executive cohort that are helping to shape the charity’s next chapter. And a heartfelt thank you to Mike for his support and counsel through the uncertainty of the pandemic and into the exciting period of planned organisational change the charity is delivering.”