The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has announced the appointment of Sir Philip Davies as its next Chair, with his tenure officially set to begin on September 1, 2025.
Davies will succeed the outgoing Chair, Jeremy Cooper, who has led the organization for the past seven years. The appointment brings a figure with extensive political experience and a deep-rooted connection to the betting industry to the forefront of greyhound racing’s governance.
Davies served as the Member of Parliament for Shipley in West Yorkshire from 2005 until 2024.
During his nearly two-decade-long career in politics, he was an influential member of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and the Panel of Chairs, giving him significant insight into the legislative and regulatory landscapes affecting sport and gambling.
In his acceptance statement, Davies highlighted his personal history with the sport. “I am honoured to have been appointed Chair of GBGB,” he said.
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.”
He also extended his gratitude to Jeremy Cooper for his dedicated leadership.
The transition comes at a pivotal time for the GBGB. The announcement noted that current Chief Executive Mark Bird will remain in his role for an additional two years to ensure stability and assist in the onboarding of Davies and other new board members.
This continuity is seen as vital for the Greyhound Board of Great Britain as the sport navigates various challenges and opportunities. Bird commented, “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.”
