Media Release

March 31, 2023 

Gary Smith to conclude 22-year World Bowls career

Former English and Scottish bowls international Gary Smith, who has served as Chief Executive Officer of World Bowls (WB) for more than 22 years, will finish his employment with the sport’s global governing body on May 12, 2023.

Smith took the reins of WB in August 2001, and was the CEO of World Bowls for over two decades before transitioning to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer in 2022.

In making the announcement, WB President Darryl Clout said that the global bowls landscape had shifted since the COVID pandemic, but the sport was appreciative of Smith’s contribution over a prolonged period.

“In 2021, and in the wake of the extraordinary disruption the Global Pandemic brought to our sport, the World Bowls Board embarked on a comprehensive review of the organisation as part of the Board’s commitment to positioning both the organisation and the sport to best be able to achieve sustainable growth and global success well into the future,” Clout said.

“The necessary changes arising from that review continue to unfold; following careful deliberation, the Board has determined that maintaining a Chief Operating Officer position will not serve the best interests of World Bowls and our many stakeholders.”

“On behalf of the Board, our member nations and the world bowls community, I have no doubt you will join me and the wider bowls community in acknowledging all that Gary has achieved for World Bowls and our sport through his exemplary and dedicated service.”

Smith said the sport of bowls had progressed significantly over the past two decades and that he departs WB knowing that the future is bright.

“The sport of bowls globally has progressed immensely over the past two decades, with the sport’s marquee benchmark events, the World Bowls Championships and Commonwealth Games, setting new standards of excellence on each occasion they have been delivered, and has been underpinned by growth in the largest Member Nations and development of the sport into new corners of the globe, in addition to advancements in key functional areas such as officiating and coaching,” Smith said.

“I will look back fondly at my time at World Bowls and all that has been delivered for the sport during my 22-year tenure, and I wish to acknowledge the numerous people that helped contribute over the years, particularly my wife Lorna.”

In addition to his extensive administrative career, Smith has enjoyed a decorated bowls career on the green, highlighted by the 1993 World Indoor Bowls Championships’ men’s pairs title, and a bronze medal in the men’s pairs at the Victoria 1994 Commonwealth Games. Smith has been an integral part of WB and WB’s Board and staff express gratitude for his extensive tenure.

For any further information, please contact:

Neil Dalrymple
Chief Executive Officer
E: [email protected]  M: +61 439 350884