Sir Philip Davies Appointed Chair of GBGB

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), the regulatory authority overseeing licensed greyhound racing in England, Scotland and Wales, has announced the appointment of Sir Philip Davies as its new Chair. Sir Philip, who has served as a Member of Parliament and is also Chair of Star Sports, will formally assume the position on 1 September 2025.

The appointment marks a significant leadership transition within the organization at a time when greyhound racing continues to face both regulatory scrutiny and evolving public expectations surrounding animal welfare.

A new chapter for licensed greyhound racing

Sir Philip Davies brings with him a diverse background in politics, sport, and business. Sir Philip Davies represented the constituency of Shipley in West Yorkshire in the UK Parliament for close to 20 years, from 2005 until 2024. During his tenure, he was actively involved in the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and also served as a member of the House of Commons Panel of Chairs.

The announcement of his new role was made by Jeremy Cooper, the departing Chair of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, who voiced his support for Sir Philip’s dedication to the sport. Cooper also commended Sir Philip’s forward-looking perspective and clear vision for the continued development of licensed greyhound racing.

“Throughout the appointment process,” Cooper noted, “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.”

Reflections from the outgoing Chair

Jeremy Cooper, who has chaired GBGB for the past seven years, took the opportunity to reflect on the organization’s progress under his tenure. He highlighted welfare reforms as one of the core achievements during his leadership, most notably the implementation of the Greyhound Commitment, a comprehensive welfare initiative.

“Licensed greyhound racing is a superb sport and I am very proud to have overseen the significant progress that has been achieved around welfare,” Cooper said. “Thanks to the Greyhound Commitment and our long-term welfare strategy, animal welfare has been placed at the very heart of the sport. Our greyhounds now receive higher standards of care and attention than ever before.”

He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of trainers, owners, and other stakeholders in helping drive welfare standards upward. “This has only been possible as a result of the combined efforts of the greyhound community,” he added.

Sir Philip Davies and his long-standing bond with racing

Following the announcement of his appointment, Sir Philip Davies reflected on his enduring personal ties to both greyhound and horseracing. He shared that his passion for the sport dates back to his early years, highlighting a lifelong familiarity and appreciation shaped by experiences from his youth.

“Greyhound and horseracing have been an integral part of my life since my childhood when my mother ran a betting shop in Doncaster,” he stated. “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 described the sport as holding an “important place in the fabric of our country” and emphasized his commitment to ensuring that licensed greyhound racing not only endures but thrives in the years to come.

Commitment to collaboration and continuity

Sir Philip has signaled a desire to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders across the greyhound industry, including track operators, owners, trainers, and representatives from government and the betting sector.

“The sport has a very bright future ahead,” he said. “I look forward to working with tracks, owners, trainers, and our wider stakeholders as we safeguard the future of our sport.”

He also acknowledged Jeremy Cooper’s leadership, commending the significant advancements in animal welfare that were achieved under his guidance throughout his time at the helm. “Thanks to his drive and ambition, welfare standards are greater than ever and, importantly, improving still.”

Mark Bird to continue as Chief Executive to support continuity

In a parallel announcement, it was confirmed that Mark Bird, who had earlier indicated his intention to resign from his position as Chief Executive of GBGB, has now agreed to extend his tenure by an additional two years to help maintain stability within the organisation. The decision was made at the request of the Board to ensure institutional continuity during the leadership transition.

Bird’s extension is widely regarded as a stabilizing move, given his established relationships across both the public and private sectors, as well as his familiarity with the operational challenges facing the sport.

“This is an important and exciting time for GBGB and licensed racing,” Bird said. “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.”

He went on to highlight long-term funding as a top priority for the organization. “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.”

Broader Board developments and future direction

Alongside the Chair and Chief Executive announcements, GBGB has confirmed recent appointments to its Board, including Tony Brealey as Owner Practitioner Director, and new Board members Dave Baldwin, Katie Bennison, and Kim Sanzone. These appointments are viewed as part of a broader strategy to bring diverse perspectives into the governance of the sport and to further institutional reform.

Sir Philip welcomed Bird’s decision to stay and emphasized the importance of teamwork moving forward. “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.”

A critical period for greyhound racing in the UK

The appointment of a high-profile political figure such as Sir Philip Davies comes at a time when the greyhound racing industry is under increasing scrutiny from both regulators and the general public. Public debates around animal welfare, responsible gambling, and the role of betting in British society have intensified over recent years.

While some campaign groups have called for the sport to be phased out, proponents argue that properly regulated and licensed greyhound racing can coexist with rigorous welfare standards and responsible gaming practices.

In this context, the leadership of GBGB will play a critical role in steering the sport through a landscape marked by shifting cultural attitudes, regulatory reforms, and technological disruption.

Policy focus and welfare agenda under new leadership

It is expected that under Sir Philip’s leadership, GBGB will continue to champion welfare-centered reforms and strengthen its data collection and reporting around greyhound care and post-racing rehoming. Continued transparency and traceability of greyhound outcomes are likely to remain central pillars of the Board’s future policies.

Additionally, policy analysts anticipate renewed engagement with Parliament and key stakeholders within the gambling sector to secure sustainable financial models for licensed racing. Sir Philip’s prior parliamentary experience is expected to assist in these negotiations, especially in areas requiring legislative clarity or interdepartmental cooperation.

Conclusion

Sir Philip Davies’s appointment represents a blend of stability and fresh direction for the Greyhound Board of Great Britain. While the organization continues its existing welfare trajectory and governance strategy, Sir Philip brings a new set of political and regulatory insights that may shape the sport’s direction in coming years.

With a strengthened Board, a seasoned Chief Executive, and a Chair committed to responsible reform, GBGB now faces the complex task of ensuring that greyhound racing remains both viable and ethical in an era of growing public accountability.

FAQs

Who is the new Chair of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain?
Sir Philip Davies has been appointed as the new Chair of GBGB, effective from 1 September 2025.

What is Sir Philip Davies’s background in relation to greyhound racing?
Sir Philip has a lifelong personal connection to racing, and his mother once ran a betting shop. He is also Chair of Star Sports.

Why did the previous Chair Jeremy Cooper step down?
Jeremy Cooper completed his seven-year term and chose to step down after overseeing significant welfare and governance reforms.

Will Mark Bird remain Chief Executive of GBGB?
Yes, Mark Bird has agreed to remain as CEO for an additional two years at the request of the Board to ensure stability.

What are Sir Philip Davies’s plans for the future of the sport?
He aims to collaborate with stakeholders to secure funding, safeguard the sport’s future, and maintain high welfare standards.

How is the GBGB Board changing alongside this appointment?
The Board has welcomed several new members, including Tony Brealey, Dave Baldwin, Katie Bennison, and Kim Sanzone.

What is the Greyhound Commitment?
It is GBGB’s welfare framework focusing on the care, protection, and rehoming of greyhounds throughout and after their racing careers.

Is greyhound racing still popular in the UK?
While facing scrutiny, licensed greyhound racing continues to attract fans and operates under a regulated framework supported by GBGB.

What challenges is GBGB currently addressing?
GBGB is focused on welfare improvements, sustainable funding from the betting sector, and public trust in its governance model.

How will Sir Philip’s political experience benefit GBGB?
His parliamentary background and policy knowledge are expected to strengthen GBGB’s engagement with government and regulatory bodies.