The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has bolstered its team with the addition of Sir Philip Davies as its new chair. Davies, who is a former MP, will leverage his leadership skills to lead the sport to a better future.
Greyhound Racing Ally Joins the Board
In its announcement, the GBGB lauded Davies as a staunch supporter of greyhound racing who understands the sport and cares about its future. The GBGB furthermore highlighted the appointee’s experience, trusting in his ability to deal with the challenges faced by the sector.
Davies, for context, has served as MP for Shipley in West Yorkshire for almost two decades. During that time, he was a member of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and the Panel of Chairs.
Davies quit this position in 2024, opting to join Star Sports Group as its latest chairman – a position that he has held since.
As chair of the GBGB, Davies will replace Jeremy Cooper.
Davies Was Honored to Become a Part of the GBGB
Outgoing chair Cooper commented on his exit and thanked the industry for supporting him throughout his seven years with the GBGB. He said that he was pleased with the board’s latest developments and long-term welfare strategy to ensure happy lives for the animals involved in the sport.
This has only been possible as a result of the combined efforts of the greyhound community and I would like to acknowledge the part everyone throughout the sport has played in driving up standards right across the sport.
Jeremy Cooper, outgoing chair, GBGB
Cooper also commented on Davies’ appointment, saying that he believes the GBGB will be in capable hands.
Speaking of Davies, the appointee said that he is excited about joining the GBGB. He praised greyhound racing as a fantastic sport that has been ingrained in the essence of Great Britain. As someone who has loved the sport since he was a kid, Davies hopes to make more people realize its beauty.
The sport has a very bright future ahead and I would like to thank the GBGB Board for putting their faith in me. I look forward to working with tracks, owners, trainers and our wider stakeholders as we safeguard the future of our sport and ensure it thrives for many years to come.
Sir Philip Davies, chair, GBGB
Davies thanked his predecessor for his incredible contributions.
In the meantime, the GBGB confirmed that Mark Bird has been reelected as CEO for two more years. While Bird had contemplated exiting the board, he changed his mind and decided to stay and support Davies. The latter was very pleased with this development and praised Bird as someone who is deeply respected within the betting industry.
The board recently welcomed Tony Brealey as owner practitioner director, as well as Dave Baldwin, Katie Bennison and Kim Sanzone.
Greyhound Racing Faces Trouble in Wales
Davies’ appointment comes amid a troubled period for greyhound racing. The sport has been facing intense backlash for some time due to its use of animals and allegations of cruelty. Because of that, lawmakers in Wales recently moved to prohibit greyhound racing in a move that was firmly opposed by the GBGB.
CEO Bird, who commented at the time, postulated that regulation would be the “most effective way to protect the welfare of racing greyhounds and the integrity and prosperity of the sport going forward.”