Nick Giles is appointed as new chair of the OIA
Robert Brigham’s tenure as OIA chair has come to an end, having already served an additional year due to the challenges created by the Covid pandemic.
At a recent meeting, the board thanked Rob for his hard work and leadership and then unanimously agreed to invite serving OIA director Nick Giles OBE (pictured), MD of Ordnance Survey Leisure Division, to step up to the role. Having accepted graciously, Nick begins his three-year term of office this month while Robert Brigham remains on the board.
Nick picks up the reins as OIA chair at a crucial time following the challenges and opportunities in the industry created by the pandemic and lockdowns and will work with his colleagues on behalf of all OIA members to maximise those opportunities and the increased interest in outdoor recreation.
Meanwhile, Regatta group director, Joanne Black, has stepped down from the board after six years of service and the Regatta place on the board will be taken by Craghoppers brand director James McNamara, who is stepping up from the OIA’s Development Board. James’s appointment is effective immediately and sees him join senior industry colleagues on the board to help drive the OIA vision to ‘Get Britain Active Outdoors’.
James said: “I’m thrilled to be asked to join the main board and look forward to working with Andrew, Nick and the rest of the team on future initiatives to encourage people to become more active in the outdoors.”
With over 16 years’ experience in the outdoor industry, James has spent time working in the UK, North America and France in commercial and marketing roles. Having started his career with Craghoppers, he re-joined the brand five years ago as commercial director and has been brand director since July 2020.
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