University of Birmingham Director of Sport Zena Wooldridge has been elected to the position of Chairman of England Squash, becoming the youngest woman to hold the post.
 
The 45-year-old Worcestershire county champion, who has been a member of the England Squash board for the past three years, succeeds Jackie Robinson, who has been Chairman since 2002.
 
The elections took place at the governing body's AGM in London on Saturday (4 November).  Mrs Robinson was elected as President, following the retirement of Mike Corby at the end of his maximum tenure in the role.
 
Zena Wooldridge has enjoyed a highly successful life in sport, and especially squash, since first playing county squash for Worcestershire in 1978.  She has acted as GB Team Manager in three World University Squash Championships (from 1996 to 2002); has been a member of England O35 and O40 squash teams between 1997and 2003; has participated in the World Masters Championships in 1997 and 2001; and is the reigning British National O45 Racketball champion.
 
As Director of Sport, Ms Wooldridge has overall responsibility for strategic and business planning for University Sport Birmingham (USB), leading an organisation comprising £3.5million turnover, including a staff of 150, including coaches/instructors, serving 10,000 members (students, staff & community).  Squash is one of 12 focus sports within a broad multi-sport environment covering all levels of participant from entry/beginner level to world class performers.
 
“I'm taking on the ES Chair with a mixture of excitement and trepidation," said Ms Wooldridge. "The main trigger for me standing for election was that if you really want to make a difference to your own sport, the ultimate challenge and privilege is probably to chair the national governing body!
 
"Squash must be the most successful British Sport on the world stage, yet has one of the lowest public profiles. We have to be far more strategic and creative to ensure squash’s continued future success, including England’s support for the World Squash Federation’s campaign to get squash into the Olympics. And I’m sure the current Board is really up for that.
 
"Jackie’s four years as Chair has seen England Squash transformed from insolvency to stability, growth and success, which gives a great platform to build on.  I believe the next big push needs to be focussed upon investment in marketing the sport effectively and capitalising on our hosting of the 2008 World Championships in Manchester. That will be the next critical point for squash to gauge how we’re doing,” concluded the new chairman.
 
Speaking of Jackie Robinson's era as Chairman of England Squash, Chief Executive Nick Rider said:  "Jackie’s contribution as Chairman for the past four years has been exceptional.  When she took over we were in a perilous position – but under her strong leadership and guidance we have not only moved to safety but are really moving forward.”
 
In the elections for members of the England Squash board, Roger Cearns, Ian Robinson and Peter Goldson were all re-elected.  In addition, Andy Bunting was also elected to the board for the first time.  The International Player Promotions Manager for Prince Sports, Bunting has been involved with squash for over thirty years as a player, coach and club manager before joining Prince.