BF BOARD APPOINTS PAT AIYENURO AS PRESIDENT

The BF Board is delighted to announce Pat Aiyenuro as its new President, succeeding Hilary Philbin who has stepped down after three terms to focus on European responsibilities.

Elected onto the BF Board in 2020, Pat Aiyenuro has also served as a member of the International Relations Committee. This followed seventeen years of volunteering experience at all levels of the sport, including roles as the Chair of Camden Fencing Club and GBR Head of Delegation for multiple major championships. Pat has also been active in community projects to make fencing more accessible and was awarded a BEM for services to sport in 2017. In 2023 Pat took part in the UK Sport International Leadership Mentoring Programme.

Pat has spent several years in her International Relations role working alongside outgoing President Hilary Philbin building relationships across the international community of Olympic and Paralympic fencing.

Pat was appointed after an open recruitment process for an initial term which expires at the AGM after the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Speaking of her appointment, Pat said, “I am delighted and honoured by this appointment. I look forward to continuing the work led by Hilary, extending relationships across the international fencing community and further strengthening the positive contribution that British Fencing can make to the future of our sport globally. I’d like to thank outgoing president Hilary Philbin for all her support over the years and the BF Board for placing their trust in me.”

Outgoing President Hilary Philbin said, “I’d like to extend my congratulations to Pat on this appointment. Pat has already established herself as a well respected member of the international fencing community and I am sure she will do an excellent job. I wish her the very best of luck and look forward to continuing to work with her.”

Outgoing Board Chair Mark Lyttle said, “It has been a pleasure working with Pat on the BF Board and I wish her every success in this new role.”

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