WORLD Bowls president John Bell and his executive colleagues are delighted to announce the appointment of Claire Leonard, one of the UK’s leading lights in the field of strategic marketing and business development, to the organisation’s Board of Directors.

‘It’s a further extension of our resolve to grow the World Bowls brand and capture the best possible corporate growth from our international potential,’ Mr Bell said at the announcement. ‘Claire is one of the top professionals in her field and we’re thrilled to have her wealth of talent, dynamism and positivity on the board.’

Claire Leonard brings more than 20 years of experience and a success proven track record to the role. She has worked in-house and on a consultancy basis for major international, national and regional businesses, as well as a stint with various departments of the UK Government going through technology changes and cultural shifts.

Now a Director with Newcastle upon Tyne’s highly successful Hunter Johnstone Marketing Solutions organisation, she uses her extensive skill set in strategic results-driven marketing consultancy, business development and business-change project management.

Claire is a marketing and communications graduate with additional qualifications in Event Management and Further Education delivery, and has worked with the World Bowls Board since 2013, where she has advised and contributed to the delivery of the marketing requirements set out in their Strategic Plan mindful of budgetary constraints. She also project managed the delivery of the new website and provides ongoing advice and support to the Board.

In formalising the announcement, World Bowls president John Bell also paid tribute and expressed sincere appreciation to Colleen Gilbert from Broadbeach, Australia, whose term as Appointed Director concluded last month.

Photo: Newly appointed World Bowls director Claire Leonard.