Anna Whowell and Katharine Curran have been appointed to the Board of Table Tennis England after an open recruitment process.

They replace Steve Kemish, who is leaving the Board after completing a full four-year term, and the vacant position left following the resignation of Priya Samuel in 2023.

The two new Directors were among a high-calibre list of 24 applicants, six of whom were interviewed by a panel comprising Chair, Nick Donald, and fellow Directors Mark Boote and Sally Hughes. 

The candidates were evaluated alongside the skills matrix published on our Board page in order to complement and enhance the skills and experience of other Board members.

Nick Donald said: “I’m delighted to welcome Anna and Katherine to the Board. They came through from a large field of high-calibre applicants and I look forward to working with them both.

“Together they bring significant sports marketing expertise and experience in the field of EDI, adding greater diversity to the Board.”

Kath Curran (pictured above, top) is currently Head of Marketing at Manchester City Women’s Football Club. She has worked for City Football Group for the last five years and has led business units implementing interesting and innovative projects and technologies across the group’s global footprint.

This includes heading the Metaverse division in developing and implementing an emerging technology strategy, utilising AI and blockchain, as well as marketing strategies to reach new audiences, and co-founding the group’s Women’s Network.

She has an MA in Leadership in Sport, from the Institute of Sports Humanities. Kath plays competitive hockey and is also a keen tennis and netball player.

Anna Whowell (pictured above, bottom) is an executive coach across the financial services, legal, pharma and sporting sectors. She was previously a Managing Director in the City with expertise in sales, marketing and client relationship management. 

In 2004 Anna co-founded Citypink, a professional women’s network. By extolling ‘Purpose’ sponsorship Citypink attracted sponsorship from some very significant multi-national organisations. Today the network uses social sporting events as the main tool for social engagement.  

Anna has served as a board member of the national LGBTQ± charity Stonewall, advising on female engagement. She has volunteered in the Commercial team at MK Dons, developing impactful sponsorship relationships for the men and women’s teams. Anna became the Commercial team FA contact for Milton Keynes Stadium, hosting the successful UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022.

Anna and her family are avid recreational table tennis players due to its multi-generational appeal.