BCGBA CEO Latest

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Last month we published notification of the appointment by the BCGBA of a new Chief Executive Officer, Dan Newton. We now follow that up with an article written by Steve Davies on the Bowls Observer website.

BCGBA APPOINT NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The BCGBA has appointed Dan Newton to succeed Paul Ashmore as Chief Executive Officer. 

DAN NEWTON (BCGBA CEO)

Following the long-serving John Crowther, the BCGBA has appointed two “in-house” CEO’s in Mark Bircumshaw and Paul Ashmore. Both have tried to modernise the structure and workings of the BCGBA, and both have found this can be difficult. It has now brought in an experienced executive charged with growing the sport of crown green bowls. Dan’s exceptional looking record would indicate his expertise and experience at doing what he has been asked to do.

The BCGBA was very much county-driven prior to the launch of the independent board and now, with the board already going through the interim to permanent changes to itself, the sport finds itself trying to adapt to a period of modernisation. I'll be polite and just say this can be something of a minefield. Some of the ideas and proposals I have problems with supporting but I cannot fault the effort being put into trying to develop the sport we love.

I find it telling that the last three appointments (CEO and board members) have all been appointments from outside the game. The BCGBA issued a more than impressive press release announcing Dan’s appointment which I have reproduced below. Dan enters the minefield later this month.

BCGBA Press Release

The British Crown Green Bowling Association (Official) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Newton as our new Chief Executive Officer.

Dan joins the Association with over 22 years of senior leadership experience across the sports development sector, having successfully led strategic transformation, governance reform, and programme delivery within a range of high-profile sporting National Governing Bodies.

Although Dan is new to crown green bowling, his passion for inclusive and community-led sport, combined with a deep-rooted belief in participation growth and sustainability, makes him an exciting and forward-thinking appointment. His arrival marks a significant step forward in the BCGBA’s ambition to revitalise the sport, modernise its structures, and drive fresh momentum across all levels of the game.

Dan has forged a distinguished career by delivering impactful change in national sport organisations. His previous roles have included strategic leadership positions with organisations such as Parkour UK, Rounders England, and Inclusive Aquatics. Notably, he has secured over £5.9 million in sport funding, including £1.8 million from Sport England through the System Partner programme, underlining his ability to align sport with national priorities and unlock new growth opportunities.

At Parkour UK, Dan led a major organisational transformation, shifting the body from a volunteer-led group to a fully funded NGB with increased staff capacity and professionalised governance. This included transitioning from 0 to 10 employees and embedding Tier 3 governance, safeguarding frameworks, and sustainability strategies. He also spearheaded national engagement programmes that led to a 120% increase in participation across the sporting landscape, with a clear focus on insight-led, inclusive delivery models.

Similarly, at Rounders England, Dan helped secure £3.9 million in funding, delivering high-impact community engagement initiatives and driving up participation across a broad demographic. His work has consistently demonstrated the ability to bring diverse stakeholders together, unite them behind a shared vision, and build resilient systems that sustain long-term growth.

Dan’s reputation as a collaborative and values-driven leader is well known within the wider sporting landscape. He brings a wealth of experience in stakeholder alignment, digital transformation, financial governance, safeguarding, and inclusive recruitment – all essential elements for a modern, progressive governing body. His strong working relationships with Sport England, the Bowls Development Alliance, and other key national partners will be invaluable as BCGBA looks to build on its recent strategy and position the sport for future success.

While Dan does not come from a crown green bowling background, he has already expressed a genuine enthusiasm to learn about the sport, its history, its culture, and its people. He recognises the unique heritage and community spirit that defines crown green bowls, and is committed to working alongside the BCGBA Board, County Associations, and Club volunteers to understand what makes the game special. The Board is fully confident that Dan’s fresh perspective and professional skillset will bring much-needed momentum and new thinking into the sport.

BCGBA Board Members, Association Officers, and National Advisory Council will provide Dan with the guidance and insight required to help him transition into his new role. His leadership will not replace the sport’s traditions – rather, it will help protect them by supporting growth, relevance, and engagement in a rapidly changing sporting landscape.

Dan’s priorities as CEO will include increasing participation across all age groups – particularly juniors, ladies, and over-35s – as well as building sustainable Club and County structures. He is particularly enthusiastic about supporting the development of digital engagement and creating better governance and funding models within the sport. His approach will be rooted in evidence-based planning, cross-sector collaboration, and inclusive governance.

In his own words, Dan describes himself as “passionate about building pathways that make sport accessible to all,” and he brings a clear vision of how to align BCGBA’s ambitions with national trends in sport and leisure. His experience delivering innovative solutions at both grassroots and elite levels makes him well-equipped to lead the Association through its current period of transformation and beyond.

The BCGBA believes that Dan’s appointment signals a new era of opportunity for crown green bowling. With the sport facing challenges around participation decline, perception, and modernisation, his ability to unite people behind a shared vision and drive positive change will be critical.

We encourage all members, Clubs, and County Officials to welcome Dan into the bowling community and support him as he begins this exciting chapter. His leadership represents not just change, but the promise of growth, professionalism, and a sport that is fit for the future.

Welcome to the BCGBA, Dan – we are excited to have you on board.