BWL Appoints Phil Edmondson as Senior Independent Director

British Weight Lifting (BWL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Edmondson as its new Senior Independent Director on the BWL Board, effective immediately.

Phil brings a wealth of experience in sports governance, legal affairs, and commercial strategy. Having served on the BWL Board since July 2020 as an Independent Director, his deep understanding of the organisation and its values makes him an ideal choice for this key role.

In his professional capacity, Phil is a Partner at Ward Hadaway. He is commercial litigator and sports dispute resolution specialist with over 14 years' experience. Alongside his reputation as a commercial litigator Phil has for many years been an industry recognised specialist in resolving disputes within professional sports. He has represented clients such as professional leagues, governing bodies, professional athletes and managers, with a particular emphasis on football.

As Senior Independent Director, Phil will provide a crucial channel for stakeholder engagement and support the Board Chair in ensuring strong governance across BWL.  His role also includes acting as a sounding board for other Board members and offering an independent perspective on the performance and integrity of the Board.

“I’m honoured to take on this new role at such an important time for BWL,” said Phil. “I look forward to supporting the continued growth of the sport and helping ensure that we uphold the highest standards of governance and integrity.”

Rupinder Ashworth, Independent BWL Chair, welcomed the appointment:

“Phil has already made a significant contribution to the Board since joining in 2020. His legal acumen and deep commitment to our sport make him ideally suited for the Senior Independent Director role. We are confident he will continue to help shape a strong future for weightlifting in the UK.”