Two new Directors appointed to Table Tennis England Board

August 29, 2025 | Paul Stimpson

Table Tennis England has appointed two Non-Executive Directors, strengthening the Board in key skills, experience, knowledge and diversity.

The new Directors are Leanne O’Leary and Paul Bishop. In accordance with the Code for Sports Governance, the term of their positions is four years. One further four-year term can be served. 

Leanne is an assistant professor and dual qualified solicitor in New Zealand and England/Wales. She practised in employment law for a multi-national law firm before completing a PhD in sports law and moving into academia.

Leanne is an expert in arbitration and mediation. She was a member of the Sport Resolutions panel of arbitrators and mediators in London between 2012 and 2022, is a member of the Premier League Judicial Panel in London and is an arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

Leanne volunteers for several sports organisations in Ireland and the United Kingdom, including as a Non-Executive Director for Sport Dispute Solutions Ireland.

Paul, a chartered accountant and finance professional, as well as being heavily involved in running Woodford Wells TTC, was co-opted on to the Board in February. He has now been formally confirmed as a Director.

Following a long executive career in finance, Paul is now the senior independent director at NHBC within the residential housing sector. He is also a non-executive director and chair of the audit committee at both Zurich Assurance and AXAXL UK within the insurance industry.

Table Tennis England Chair Clare Briegal said: “We’re delighted to welcome Leanne to the Board and to formally confirm Paul’s permanent tenure.

“They add essential skills and experience to the Board and ensure we are in a good position to take the sport forward over the exciting years ahead.”