New Executive Director for Performance appointed

Welsh Gymnastics is pleased to confirm the appointment of Holly Broad as its new Executive Director for Performance.

Through her creative leadership and direction, Holly will steer the organisational strategy for performance gymnastics in Wales.

She will lead on the development and delivery of the performance plan for the organisation that encompasses the Athlete Development Framework, through a person-centred approach, to achieve success that drives improved performance on the international stage.

Holly is a former competitive women’s artistic gymnast and began her journey in the sport aged seven and was coached by the late great Stan Buckley at her local gymnastics club in Buckley.  

She has been with Welsh Gymnastics for more than a decade; first joining as a Development Officer in 2012 before rising up within the Performance team and was most recently Programme Manager. 

“It’s difficult to put into words just how much this sport and Welsh Gymnastics means to me – and I’m hugely humbled to now be tasked with leading performance gymnastics in Wales,” said Holly.

“It’s already shaping up to be a really exciting year ahead across our performance programmes and squads with our gymnasts making their mark both domestically and on the international stage.

“We also look forward to the finalisation of our new strategy and the start of its delivery in 2024.

“We will continue to holistically support individuals through the Athlete Development Framework, whilst working in collaboration with the Education and Training team to ensure appropriate opportunities of progression are available for coaches and officials.

“Work will also be undertaken to ensure we have robust squad pathways across all our competitive disciplines, with a facility plan in place alongside to support that.”

Holly further strengthens the organisation’s senior leadership team and will report into Chief Executive Officer Victoria Ward, alongside fellow Executive Directors Siwan Mair (Development) and Lisa O’Connell (Safeguarding).

Victoria Ward said: “I am delighted to confirm Holly’s appointment into the newly-created role of Executive Director for Performance.

“Holly’s skills and experience made her an outstanding choice for the role and her work ethic, knowledge, passion and desire to take performance gymnastics in Wales forward, in line with our new strategy, make her a huge asset to our organisation and sport moving forward.”

Outside of gymnastics, Holly plays football in the Adran Premier and is captain and defender for Pontypridd United. She also has a Master’s (MA) in Sports Development and Coaching.