GBGB Appoints Sir Philip Davies as its New Chair

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has appointed Sir Philip Davies as its New Chair.

Sir Philip, who is also Chair of Star Sports, will take up post on 1st September 2025. Sir Philip served as MP for Shipley in West Yorkshire between 2005 and 2024 during which time he sat on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee as well as the Panel of Chairs.

Commenting on the appointment, outgoing Chair Jeremy Cooper, said: “Throughout the appointment process, Sir Philip showed himself to be a fervent supporter of licensed greyhound racing. He demonstrated a strong understanding of our sport and is clear on its future direction. I know that this appointment will be welcomed across the licensed racing community and I wish Sir Philip all the very best as he begins his tenure.

“As I conclude my time as Chair, I would like to thank the entire industry for their support during the last seven years. In particular, I would like to both thank and congratulate the GBGB Board for their ongoing commitment and support of many beneficial initiatives that we have introduced. Licensed greyhound racing is a superb sport and I am very proud to have overseen the significant progress that has been achieved around welfare. Thanks to the Greyhound Commitment and our long-term welfare strategy, animal welfare has been placed at the very heart of the sport and our greyhounds now receive higher standards of care and attention than ever before. 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.”

Commenting on his appointment, Sir Philip Davies said: “I am honoured to have been appointed Chair of GBGB. Licensed greyhound racing is a fantastic sport which has held an important place in the fabric of our country for almost a century. Greyhound and horseracing have been an integral part of my life since my childhood when my mother ran a betting shop in Doncaster. As such, I know just how important greyhound racing is to local communities and what an important contribution it makes – both economically and socially.

“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.

“Thank you to Jeremy Cooper for his leadership and stewardship over the past seven years. Thanks to his drive and ambition, welfare standards are greater than ever and, importantly, improving still.”

GBGB has also announced that Mark Bird will remain as Chief Executive for a further two years. Mark had previously announced his intention to step down but has been invited by the Board to remain as CEO to support Sir Philip and the Board which has recently welcomed Tony Brealey as Owner Practitioner Director as well as Dave Baldwin, Katie Bennison and Kim Sanzone.

Mark Bird said: “This is an important and exciting time for GBGB and licensed racing and it is vital that there is as much stability and continuity as possible within the organisation. Our sport faces a number of opportunities as well as challenges and, with Sir Philip at the helm, I believe we are very well placed to take advantage of these opportunities and address the challenges head on.

“I look forward to working with Sir Philip as we take the sport forward. Securing long-term, sustainable funding from the betting industry remains a priority and I am confident that under Sir Philip’s leadership we can make significant progress together.”

Sir Philip Davies added: “I am very pleased that Mark has agreed to remain at GBGB. He is much respected across the sport and by our many stakeholders in Government and the betting industry. I look forward to working with Mark as we continue the work he and the rest of the Board have begun.”