Our Directors

PbE Directors 2026

* Page still under construction. 

At the SGM in May 2025 members approved the establishment of a new Regional Committee comprising the 7 Regional Directors. One of the Regional Directors will then be nominated to serve on the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors will comprise of 6 National Directors, each selected for their relevant skills and experience, plus the Chair of the Regional Steering Committee.

National Board of Directors

(click on image to read full bio)

Ian Banks

James Chaudry

Karen Mitchell

Kelly Olsen

Martin Smith

Sue Sutton

Regional Steering Group

(click on image to read full bio)

David Hughes - Chair

South East (S)

Ryan Amos

North East

Michael De Groot

West Midlands

Christine Neyndorff

South East (N)

Elaine Shallcross

North West

Tim Spurway

South West

Kate Vincent (EM)

East Midlands

National Board of Directors - Bios

Ian Banks

Ian brings a valuable blend of commercial entrepreneurship, financial governance, and sporting experience to the Pickleball England Board. A Chartered Accountant who qualified with PwC, Ian’s professional career is rooted in senior finance and leadership roles within the hospitality and leisure sectors, where he successfully founded, scaled and sold multiple businesses. 

Now semi-retired Ian is currently a Partner in a Private Equity firm specializing in leisure, wellness and health-focused investments, Ian also serves as a Non-Executive Director for several business (including one of Europe’s fastest growth tech business which he co-founded in 2000) leveraging his deep operational and financial expertise to guide strategic growth.

Ian’s commitment to the sport is lifelong. He studied Sport and Recreation Management at Loughborough University and competed at county level tennis before transitioning to pickleball in 2025. Now a competitive pickleball player, he has medalled at both the English Open and English Nationals across men’s doubles, mixed doubles and singles categories. Ian is passionate about driving the pickleball’s growth from a fast-rising niche to a leading participation sport in the UK while retaining what is special about the Pickleball community and sport – its inclusivity, diversity, accessibility and competitive camaraderie. 

James Chaudry

James was first introduced to the sport of pickleball in 2021, helping Pickleball England build a 5-year strategic plan needed for National Governing Body filing. He was nominated to join the Board of Directors in 2022 as a National Director and has served on many committees and working groups since.

Professionally, James has spent the past decade working with many of the biggest sport and entertainment properties across the Globe. Within the sports sector James has worked with: Premier League Football Clubs, NFL Franchises, Baseball League Offices, NBA and NHL teams, Professional Tennis Tournaments, Motorsport Leagues, Venues and Teams, and Signature Championship Events. James’ industry knowledge and network provides Pickleball England with strong outside support.

On the court, James competes at the highest levels. A multiple-time national and European Champion, he has won many medals across the globe. The highlight of his playing career has been representing Pickleball England at the 2024 and 2025 EPF Championships, helping the team win overall gold in 24’ and men’s singles in 2025. James was also selected to represent Europe at the inaugural APP Atlantic Cup.

Karen Mitchell

Karen retired in 2014 following a 35 year career with American Express. Her background is in Marketing, New Product Development and Business Development. She was part of the Senior Management Committee for her business organisation and has led large global teams.

Karen took up pickleball in 2015 and introduced her husband Chris to the game later that year. Karen & Chris started Pickleball in Eastbourne (PIE) in 2016. They now have 5 drop in sessions a week and 2 advanced group sessions. In early 2018 they both got Level 1 IPTPA Certification so that they could reassure new players they were qualified to teach them how to play. Karen & Chris are both regular attendees at tournaments in this country and abroad.

Karen was encouraged by players to establish pickleballEngland to increase awareness of pickleball and drive growth of the game. She decided to accept the challenge when Frank Arico indicated he was happy to partner her in the goal!  As co-founders they launched PickleballEngland in January 2019.

Karen is currently the Chair of pickleballEngland and is was on the World Pickleball Federation’s Board of Directors which recently unified with International Pickleball Federation.  Karen was part of the Taskforce working on the unification and an integral part of the transition team.  There is now a new WPF Board which Karen is still supporting.

You can email Karen HERE.

Kelly Olsen

Kelly had a career spanning 35 years as a senior technology and business leader with a strong track record of delivering digital transformation across complex, global organisations. She has built her career at the intersection of technology, strategy, and operational excellence, helping organisations modernise their systems, empower their people, and deliver better outcomes for customers and stakeholders.

 She has led enterprise-wide technology strategy and guided major investments in digital platforms and tools that support the global teams. She has focused on enabling innovation, strengthening data capabilities, and ensuring technology plays a central role in helping clients tackle complex challenges. 

Prior to this, Kelly held senior leadership positions across several global organisations. Across these roles she led large technology and operations functions, delivered large-scale transformation programmes, and simplified legacy systems to create more agile, efficient organisations. Her work has been recognised within the industry, including being named among the top performers in the CIO100 Awards for her contributions to digital transformation and more recently being a judge. She has spent many years being an active advocate for women in STEM and has been a mentor for young women in this sector.

Outside of her professional career, Kelly is passionate about sport, community and inclusivity. She loves playing pickleball and recently qualified as an EPF Level 1 referee, further deepening her involvement in the sport.

Martin Smith

Martin has been playing pickleball since the beginning of 2019, playing three times per week. He regularly plays external events including English Open, Nationals, SEPL, SE Double league, Irish Open, and various festivals and other tournaments.  He has chaired Fleet Aces Pickleball club for 3 years. Helped the club get back on its feet post-covid, growing it from 30 to 80 members, from 2 to 5/6 sessions per week and established stronger governance and admin processes.

Martin is also a regular golfer and yoga practitioner.

Martin retired in 2020 after 35 years in business following the sale of the business he was CEO of.

Highly numerate, good communication skills, comfortable managing people, developing strategy and leading organisations.  MBA from London Business School.

  • Numerous directorships since 2000, both at subsidiary and parent company level. In his final employment Martin was director of 15+ group of companies.
  • Comfortable chairing, leading discussions, challenging and collaborating at board level.
  • Currently chair at Fleet Aces and chair of the board of trustees for a local youth charity.

You can email Martin HERE. 

Sue Sutton

Sue is a Founder Member of Warwickshire Pickleball Club and has been involved in international sport for 30+ years

Sue is currently Head Coach to an England Masters Team preparing for European and World Cups in 2026

Sue trained at Chelsea College of PE (Brighton University) and became a PE Teacher before moving on to varied positions including:

Senior Development Manager  – England Hockey

National Development Director  – Badminton England (Operated within a professional and volunteer Board at Badminton England)

CEO ISPAL (morphed into CIMSPA)

Sue has experience with developing national development programmes – increasing participation, coaching, coaches and working with partners to increase facilities. Experienced in working with Local Government Sports Programmes and partnerships. Worked with volunteers – developing club programmes – Safeguarding, Clubmark.

National recognition for her work within the Equity Framework.

Regular meetings DCMS, MP for Sport and other government offices for sport.

Experienced in company governance.

Meet our Regional Steering Group

Ryan Amos - North East

Sport knowledge and Experience, including Pickleball:

I’ve worked in sport development for nearly 30 years, leading participation, performance, and workforce programmes across 40+ sports. I’m Vice Chair and Competitions and Coaching Secretary for Sheffield Pickleball Club, a coach at Peak Pickleball, and founder of Sheffield Pickleball Academy. 

A coach of 30 years in rugby, cricket, and pickleball, I’ve mentored coaches, delivered NGB development programmes, and driven inclusive growth through strategic sport development and community engagement.

Career details including business skills and experiences:

An MBA-qualified sport leader, I’ve developed and delivered departmental strategy, business plans, and performance dashboards. I managed seven-figure budgets, led major events such as multi-sport varsity competitions involving 15,000 people, and scaled clubs through consultancy work. I use data to drive insight and decision-making and have built social media and communications strategies for Sport England projects. Collaboration underpins my approach, developing partnerships, empowering teams, and ensuring measurable impact through effective leadership and innovation.

Experience of working on Boards and/or as a Director:     

I’ve served on committees in pickleball, rugby union, and rugby league, contributing to governance, strategic development, and club growth. At university level, I trained and mentored hundreds of student sport committees, equipping them with leadership, communication, and operational skills. Collaboration, clarity, and accountability guide my approach to committee work—ensuring diverse voices are heard, decisions are evidence-based, and structures enable clubs and associations to deliver quality experiences for their members.

What would you like to see PbE achieve during your term?

I’d like Pickleball England to strengthen its regional infrastructure, building connected County Associations, effective communication, and support networks for clubs and coaches. I want to grow youth engagement, expand the coaching workforce, and embed Picklebook as a digital enabler. My goal is to help Pickleball England achieve national governing body recognition by showcasing impact, supporting inclusivity, and empowering volunteers to deliver lasting growth across every region. Impact is a team sport.

Michael De Groot - West Midlands

Sport has always been in Michael’s life, racquet sports in his youth followed by a three-decade hiatus embraced by cycling, yoga, and teaching Psychocalisthenics. 

Reintroduced to racquet sports via pickleball in July 2022, after which he swiftly advanced to Level I coach by November that year, coaching 600+ enthusiasts as Pickleball England’s County Rep for Worcestershire in a short nine months. The blend of strategy, agility, and camaraderie reignited his love for racquet sports, ending decades of pause. This journey – from hiatus to deeply being embedded in the pickleball community – echoes the sport’s magnetic attraction and now his unwavering dedication to the sport. 

As the former Chief Storyteller and Business Consultant at Staying Alive UK, since November 2005, he ran a consultancy, initially in wellbeing and latterly a storytelling production company. Proficient in producing video whiteboard animations, scriptwriting, and storyboarding, he delivered storytelling training for small businesses. Michael created engaging content online, hosted the ‘Share Your Story’ podcast for six years, authored 600 blog posts, and produced 800 videos. 

With 28 years in leadership roles, including Sales and Marketing Directorships, his career demonstrates expertise in business, storytelling, and digital media. Michael also currently supports his Taiko Drumming teacher with his media and marketing. 

Board member on several business boards during his 28-year career in Textiles Manufacturing. Member of the Board of Trustees and Ambassador for Kemp Hospice Kidderminster (voluntary roles). Chair and Trustee at Birmingham Yes Group (personal development group) also as a volunteer. Trustee at Aim for Change a small UK charity who support orphans and street children in Uganda as well as vulnerable adults and children in Pakistan. You can email Michael HERE. 

David Hughes - South East (S)

David has been playing pickleball and been a member of Runnymede Royals for several years. 

David is a qualified Chartered Physiotherapist and Sports Scientist.  He was Physiotherapist to the GB Judo Team as well as Physiotherapist and Coach to the Paralympic Team. He has experience of International and Professional Sport and worked with the following: England Football, England Rugby and England Cricket Teams; Ferrari, Maclaren and other Formula 1 Teams, GB Rowing Team, several premier League Football Teams and County Cricket Teams etc. – PR and Marketing but also working with the players/sportsmen/women etc. on technical aspects of performance.

David worked with Sir Steve Redgrave and liaised directly with the Prime Minister and Secretaries of State on promoting sport, health and fitness to all levels of society with a special emphasis on schoolchildren through a variety of initiatives.

Pioneered In-house Corporate Health and Fitness Facilities throughout Europe working with more than 60 companies and organisations including: Xerox, Ford, Sony, Disney, Royal Mail, Amex, Daily Telegraph, Goldman Sachs, Diageo, Houses of Parliament, European Commission, Glaxo etc.

Worked in a variety of sectors in sport, health and fitness including Bupa, Technogym, Cigna – held various positions including Managing Director, UK Managing Director of a Global Company, Operations Director, European Sales and Marketing Director. Skills include Sales and Marketing, PR, Operations, Contract negotiation – Official Supplier Agreements etc.

Also Board Director/Trustee for Active Nation for twenty years – a national charity that manages local authority sports and leisure facilities.

Past Education Board Director for UK Active – the Trade Association for the Health and Fitness Industry. Past Chairman for the Association for Worksite Health Promotion.

You can email David HERE. 

Christine Neyndorff - South East (N)

Originally form the Netherlands, Christine has been in the UK since 1974 and has been involved in sport all her life, including teaching PE in London Secondary Schools, and creating/being part of clubs.

Introduced to pickleball in Vancouver in 2015, Christine started Braughing & District (BaD) pickleball club soon afterwards. Now 4 sessions/week and ~120+ members.

In 2018/19 Christine obtained a grant from Sport England to develop pickleball across the county and there are now 9 active clubs/sessions in the county. 

Christine and others organised the first Hertfordshire Festival in 2017 and one every year since.

Christine did a post-graduate in Management, 1980 and spent 24 years in Local Government, starting in Leisure Centres and ending up Deputy Director of Leisure in Newham and Director of Leisure in Enfield.

Responsibilities included, Parks, Libraries, Museums, Theatres and Arts, Sport, community facilities, Play and Cemeteries.  She led a range of major projects including, Thames Barrier Park, commercial leisure facilities, libraries, leisure centres etc.  and worked on the Sport and Recreation Impact Assessment in support of the planning application for the London Olympics. 

Christine retired from Enfield, 2004, spent 2 years as a change management consultant, then worked for Hertfordshire University, as Director of the Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) until retiring again in 2015!

  • n Enfield Christine was on the Board of the Regional Health Authority and led the Enfield Health Improvement Partnership Board.
  • As HSP Director, she was responsible to a Board of Trustees. 
  • Christine was a Director for 9 years (Hertfordshire YMCA) and helped set up, the Herts Disability Sports Foundation and was a Director on their Board for 3 years.
  • She was the vice chair of the London Chief Leisure Officer Association and on the Board of the National CLOA.

You can email Christine HERE. 

Elaine Shallcross - North West

Worked in sports sector for over 30 years, teaching as a coach and in sports development.

Introduced pickleball to the North West of England, setting up numerous clubs and sessions. Set up the North West Pickleball Festival and NW Restricted Tournament. Tournament Director & Organiser of the Inaugural Thailand Open.

Played in pickleball tournaments in Asia, Europe and USA. Career Highlights: Chaired Lancashire Sport Development Forum; Supported Manchester Olympic bid, then Commonwealth Games bid, particularly focussed on volunteer recruitment and training.

Experience of lottery funding applications, accessing community funding; creating sports pathways, partnerships, sports research.

Elaine created the Pickleball Leaders Certification course.

Elaine received a British Empire Medal in 2023 for Services to Pickleball.

You can email Elaine HERE 

Tim Spurway - South West

Sport knowledge and Experience, including Pickleball:

I played tennis for 20 years before transitioning to Pickleball. Since 2023, I have been a founding member and director of Exeter Pickleball Club, growing membership to over 150 players with daily sessions.

I serve as lead organiser for three major tournaments: Exeter Cup 2024, Exeter Team Championship 2025, and Exeter Cup 2025. As an IPTPA Level 1 qualified coach, I have introduced hundreds to the sport. I co-founded the Exeter Pickleball youth club for children aged 9-13 and established Devon County Pickleball and the Devon County League.

I’m the Devon county representative for Pickleball England and have organised four SW doubles league events. I also work as a Pickleball streaming commentator and contributor to World Pickleball Magazine.

Career details including business skills and experiences:

I work as a Senior Planning Policy Officer for a Local Government Authority with extensive experience in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement. My skills include evidence-based decision making, data analysis, and translating research into actionable policy. I regularly deliver presentations to committees and community groups, design and manage public consultations, and handle project management and governance.

Experience of working on Boards and/or as a Director:     

I have served on the five-person committee at Exeter Pickleball Club since 2023, helping establish the committee structure and constitution. In my professional role, I regularly prepare and present detailed committee reports to Local Authority committees. I bring experience in committee governance, agenda management, decision-making processes, and ensuring effective communication between committee members and stakeholders.

What would you like to see PbE achieve during your term?

I will ensure full county representation across the South West, with county representatives actively involved in setting objectives and priorities. I will offer greater club support for outreach work to sustain growth. I plan to launch initiatives expanding youth participation, including introducing pickleball into every secondary school in the region and creating clear progression pathways. I will improve communication channels between Pickleball England and grassroots clubs to ensure regional voices are heard nationally.

Kate Vincent - East Midlands

Sport knowledge and Experience, including Pickleball:

I am a qualified Pickleball Leader and Level 1 Instructor and the founder of West Northamptonshire Pickleball CIC, a successful community organisation that has introduced the sport to hundreds and secured nearly £16,000 in grants, including significant funding from Sport England. I also hold a Level 3 Personal Trainer, Leve 4 Advanced Nutrition and Level 3 Supporting Long Term Conditions qualification, demonstrating a professional understanding of health, fitness and inclusive sport participation. 

Career details including business skills and experiences:

My career includes working as a qualified Business Teacher for many years and as a current Exam Board Examiner, highlighting expertise in governance, curriculum delivery, and clear communication.

Academically I hold a Business and Marketing BA (Hons) and recently graduated with a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Psychology. I am currently furthering my expertise by undertaking three Master’s qualifications in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Health Psychology and Nutrition in Practice. These advanced qualifications provide a strategic foundation in financial management, marketing and the specific psychological and physical factors that drive sports participation and community well-being.

Experience of working on Boards and/or as a Director:     

As the Director of two Community Interest Companies (West Northamptonshire Pickleball CIC and Daventry Wellness & Sports CIC), I have extensive, current experience in governance, compliance and fiduciary duty. This includes managing organisational setup, securing grant funding, and coordinating volunteer activity to meet community objectives. My contributions were recognised with a Rose of Northamptonshire Award for my impact on the local community. 

What would you like to see PbE achieve during your term?

I aim to serve as a vital link between the grassroots and the National Board, ensuring regional voices shape national strategy. I would focus on three areas:

  1. Strategic Growth: Establishing robust County Associations and increasing regional participation.
  2. Inclusive Programmes: Utilising my expertise in Health Psychology to develop accessible programmes for underrepresented groups.
  3. Digital Efficiency: Championing the adoption of PickleBook and digital tools to empower clubs and volunteers.