New Finance Director Lisa West ‘very proud’ to be joining Swim England

Swim mum Lisa West says she is looking forward to helping deliver a wave of positive change in aquatics after being named as Swim England’s new Finance Director.

Lisa joins Swim England on Monday 31 March from Barratt Redrow PLC, where she held senior finance management roles.

Previously, she has held finance positions at retailer Next, utility company E.ON UK plc and oil company ConocoPhillips Inc. 

She qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte.

The opportunity to be part of the national governing body’s commitment to change through the One Swim England strategy was a key influence in Lisa applying for the role.

She said: “Although I have worked in finance throughout my whole career, I have not come across a role that excites me as much as this one.  

“My children have been involved in aquatics for almost a decade, so it has become a dominant backdrop to our lives. When a role at Swim England came up, I simply knew I had to go for it.

“Being a swim parent means I’m aware of the challenges that Swim England has faced in the past.  

Huge step forward

“I am therefore very proud to be able to play a part in delivering the new strategy, One Swim England, which I believe is a huge step forward for the aquatics community.  

“I can already sense a positive tide change and I am looking forward to riding that wave.”

Lisa says swimming has played an important part in her family’s lives.

She is a strong advocate for encouraging people to volunteer in aquatics having held various roles at her daughters’ clubs, most recently Nuneaton & Bedworth.

“There is no doubt that club swimming has taught my daughters and our wider family some important life skills and has built their characters,” said Lisa.  

“Swimming has made them – and us, their parents – stronger, healthier and more resilient both emotionally and socially.  

“We have made lifelong friends in the aquatics community.

“I volunteer at swim meets whenever I can, and have performed every volunteering role over the years, from marshalling to medals table and everything in between.

“As well as helping to pass the time in long open meets, you will benefit from knowing that you have supported the hard-working swimmers, coaches and officials.

Wealth of expertise and experience

“The camaraderie amongst volunteers and officials is strong, so there is no need to be nervous about volunteering. 

“Any offer of help will be received with lots of gratitude and your fellow volunteers will fully support you and show you the ropes.

“I strongly encourage everyone to give volunteering a go.”

Andy Salmon, Swim England Chief Executive, said Lisa had a crucial part to play for the national governing body.

He said: “Lisa has a wealth of expertise and experience that will be so important for the organisation as we embark on our transformation programme. 

“Swim England does not exist to make financial surplus but it is vital that we manage our resources wisely and strategically in order to support the changes we need to make.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming Lisa to the Senior Leadership Team at Swim England and look forward to her joining us at the end of the month.”

Lisa is the third new member to join Swim England’s Senior Leadership Team following the appointment of Helen Marney as Director of Community Participation and Health and Maria Papadopoulos as People Director.