England Hockey Announces the Appointment of Two New Independent Board Members

England Hockey is pleased to announce the appointment of Anne-Marie Garner and Mark Darbon as new independent Board directors of England Hockey.

England Hockey is the national governing body for hockey in England. It is responsible for the governance and development of the sport from grass roots and domestic levels to preparing elite teams for international events.

Anne-Marie Garner brings extensive board experience in both the profit and not for profit sectors and has an extensive corporate governance background. She spent twenty-five years as a general counsel before moving into the well-being space as VP of Corporate Strategy for Therme Group. She also brings a strong equality, diversity and inclusion background having run an ED&I global function for a FTSE STEM company.  

Anne-Marie has a life-long love of hockey, having played at county level, and has coached for the past thirty years. On joining the board, Anne-Marie said “my father introduced me to hockey as a child and I have loved it ever since, having played and coached for many years. I am absolutely thrilled to be joining England Hockey as a board member at such an exciting time in hockey. It is an exceptional board to be joining and there are ambitious and fun times ahead.”

Mark Darbon is Chief Executive of Premiership Rugby club Northampton Saints and has fifteen years’ experience in the sport and event sector. Prior to his career in sport, which has included working for the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and the mass participation events business, Tough Mudder, Mark spent five years with Diageo Plc in a variety of strategic and commercial roles across multiple international markets.

Mark, who lives in Northamptonshire with his wife and two children, said “Hockey was always my main sport, at school and then for Oxford University and Hampstead and Westminster HC. I even managed to sneak into the England U21 side for a couple of seasons which was incredible to experience. Hockey has been at the centre of many of my most enduring friendships and memories and is still an important part of my life as I support my two young children both of whom are now playing at Northampton Saints HC. Being part of the England Hockey board and being able to contribute to the future success of the sport in England is a huge honour.” 

Royston Hoggarth, Chair of England Hockey board said, “I am delighted to have both Anne-Marie and Mark on the board to help shape the future of England Hockey and drive the next phase of our strategy. I would like to formally thank Richard Sykes and Kate Swann on behalf of the Board for their dedication and service to England Hockey. Their support to England Hockey and myself has been invaluable. I look forward to welcoming Anne-Marie and Mark to the team.”

Nick Pink, England Hockey CEO said “Anne-Marie and Mark both bring skills and experience which will continue to elevate the board and help broaden our reach and relevance as a sport for all. I’m very much looking forward to working with them as they immerse themselves more in the world of hockey and meet our stakeholders, particularly those who work, volunteer and support, play and officiate the game across England.”