News

New Board Observers appointed by England Athletics

We are delighted to announce the appointments of Abdul Buhari and David Franks as England Athletics Board Observers.

Abdul is a retired international athlete who represented Team GB in the discus at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He is currently ranked 5th in the British all-time list, having won the English and British titles in 2011. After an early career in investment banking balanced with competing internationally for Great Britain, Abdul now works in private banking and was previously on the UK Athletics Athletes’ Commission. He currently holds a governance role with Dauntsey’s Independent School, in Wiltshire, as well as being on the Fika Advisory Committee.

David is a senior leader in Human Resources and brings more than 20 years of corporate and consulting experience across a range of sectors. He has expertise in organisational development, talent, transformation and change, and acts as a mentor for several entrepreneurial small business owners seeking support in the development of their enterprises. A passionate and committed endurance athlete and a proud member of Thames Valley Harriers, David has competed in more than 15 marathons. This includes the six World Marathon Majors, whilst also raising tens of thousands of pounds for a range of charities that support homelessness and children’s causes.

Abdul said:

“I'm delighted to join England Athletics as a Board Observer and I'm very much looking forward to working with the team and learning much more about the sport I'm incredibly passionate about.”

David said:

“Over the last 15 years, athletics has been a significant part of my life and I firmly believe that – along with all sport – from those competing at the highest level and donning GB vests to those taking their first steps, athletics has a tremendous power to help us maintain our mental, emotional, physical, and social wellbeing.  From grassroots and schools through to the clubs, athletics has huge potential to be both inclusive and inspirational.  It is a privilege to combine my passion and experience to support the work of England Athletics.”

Myra Nimmo, England Athletics chair, said:

“We are very fortunate to appoint David and Abdul to join our Board as observers. The initiative enables both the appointees to learn and understand more about the work of the Board at the same time as the Board benefits from their expertise. I am grateful to Lorna Boothe and Janyce Holmes, two existing Directors, for agreeing to mentor David and Abdul over the next 12 months.”