British Orienteering is delighted to confirm the appointment of Air Commodore Rob Woods OBE as Chair of the organisation, following the unanimous recommendation of the Appointments Panel and approval by the Board. 

Rob was appointed Chair-elect at the recent Board meeting on 9th December 2024. As an active member of both Royal Air Force Orienteering and Swansea Bay Orienteering Club, Rob will officially assume his role following the AGM in May 2025. 

Rob brings extensive expertise in technology and people leadership, acquired during a distinguished 37-year career as an Engineer Officer in the Royal Air Force. His impressive portfolio includes serving as Station Commander on two occasions, leading the transformation of Defence’s safety regulation, and managing an MOD Operations Team during the pandemic. Since transitioning to the Royal Air Force Reserve, Rob has served as Air Officer Wales, working to enhance the public image and awareness of the RAF across Wales. 

As Chair, Rob aims to build on his professional and sporting experience to further strengthen British Orienteering and ensure its continued success.

Rob Woods OBE, Chair-elect of British Orienteering, commented:
“I am very proud and honoured to be appointed Chair-elect of British Orienteering. I look forward to working with the new CEO and my fellow Board members to build on the significant achievements and progress made under Drew Vanbeck’s leadership. Drew has guided the Board with a steady hand since 2019 and has made a tremendous contribution to the governance and oversight of orienteering in the UK.

We exist to represent a diverse orienteering community, from beginners to elite competitors. With the evolution of our Strategy, we have a wonderful opportunity to further develop orienteering in the UK and beyond. My focus will be on empowering, supporting, and growing our technical disciplines while serving the broader orienteering community to maximise our impact for the benefit of all.

As an active orienteer, I continue to be inspired by a sport that offers adventure, elite performance, fun, and friendship. I remain committed to these core values and look forward to deepening my engagement with the orienteering community, leading an effective Board, and driving purposeful governance.”

Rob will begin attending Board meetings on 3rd February 2025 and will collaborate with Acting CEO Peter Brooke, the Board, and the executive team to ensure a smooth transition until the AGM.

Outgoing Chair Drew Vanbeck expressed his confidence in Rob’s leadership, stating:
“I am delighted that Rob has accepted the position of Chair, and I look forward with absolute confidence to working closely with him over the next few months.

I have greatly enjoyed my time on the Board and have had the privilege of witnessing significant milestones, including a successful World Championships and British Orienteering emerging stronger than ever from the Covid period. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together, and it has been an honour and privilege to serve in this role. I wish Rob and the Board all the very best for the future.”

The recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer is underway, with the appointment anticipated by late February 2025.

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