15 Jul Bridgend Ravens Confirm SMT ahead of New Campaign

Bridgend Ravens can confirm the club’s Senior Management Team, tasked with continuing to lead the club into an exciting new era. 

The Senior Management Team will be led by new Club Chairman, Tony Williams, who was voted to replace Norman Spain in the club’s recent AGM. Tony will be assisted by diverse professionals with varying skillsets to provide the club with a strong leadership team capable of navigating the intricacies of running a semi-professional rugby club.

The Senior Management Team comprises the following;

Tony Williams (Club Chairman)

A lifelong Bridgend Ravens supporter, Tony’s connection with the club spans decades. Having first volunteered in matchday operations before progressing into senior leadership roles, he has played a central part in the club’s transition back to community ownership and its continued development on and off the field. Over recent years he has overseen key operational, governance and commercial initiatives, working closely with the Board, staff, volunteers and stakeholders to strengthen the club’s foundations. Tony was recently appointed Club Chairman at the club’s AGM and will lead the Senior Management Team. 

Stephen Knipe (Club Secretary) 

Steve is the Managing Director of Porthcawl Insurance and brings with him a wealth of leadership, professionalism and organisational experience. At 54 years of age, he has dedicated the last 15 years to coaching rugby, developing players and giving back to the game he is so passionate about. He joins the Senior Management Team in the recently vacated role of Club Secretary. 

Ian Morris (Financial Director)

Ian Morris, born and raised in Bridgend, joins the strategic management team at Bridgend Ravens Rugby Limited with extensive financial leadership experience across the construction, hospitality, education and wider commercial sectors. A lifelong supporter whose earliest rugby memory is sitting in the temporary stand watching Bridgend face the touring All Blacks in 1978, Ian now brings his expertise and passion home, committed to helping the Ravens return to their glory years.

Faith Olding (Senior Advisor to the Board)

Faith Olding is an experienced business leader and entrepreneur with almost two decades of experience in recruitment, business development and organisational leadership. As a Director of Apollo Teaching Services, she has played a pivotal role in establishing and growing one of Wales’ leading education recruitment providers, supporting schools with high-quality staffing solutions while building long-term partnerships across the education sector. Faith is acting as Senior Advisor to the Board.

Richard Harris (Commercial Manager)

A supporter of Bridgend Ravens for over 35 years, Richard is a vastly experienced Sales Manager who has worked for Land Rover and Aston Martin. He is now Head of Sales at Leyshon Flint and Sons in Bridgend, and at Bridgend Ravens, he is responsible for leading our Commercial Team, continuing to drive growth of the club off the field.

The Senior Management Team will be supported by Robin Thomas (Brewery Field Ltd Facilities Director), Anthony Davies (Brewery Field Ltd Director), Scott Baldwin (Director of Rugby, Bridgend Ravens) and Paul Watkin (Bridgend Rugby Pathway Manager).