Barry is a highly experienced Senior Executive from the Sports Industry, including 10 years at Adidas as Head of Football and latterly as UK Managing Director. Barry’s other business experience includes British Airways and HJ Heinz and he is currently CEO of the Sports and Leisure Group.
Complimenting his Senior Corporate roles, Barry has a deep understanding of how a football club operates and has a demonstrable track record in building a community club from the grass roots up. Barry was the lead behind the emergence of Loxwood Football Club, where for 15 years, most recently as its chairman, he and his team transitioned the club from competing in division 5 of the local West Sussex League to a Charter Standard Senior football club competing in County League Premier and which now includes a 200 strong Youth and Junior Section.
There is also a strong “Hunter” family connection to our Club, Barry was born and schooled in Worthing and was an U18, Reserve and Ryman Premier first team player for the club. Barry’s father Roy Hunter, also born and bred in Worthing was a dedicated volunteer at the club working on the committee and grounds team over a 20 year period in the 80s and 90s.
Speaking about the appointment, Barry said “I am incredibly proud to be back helping the club that has played such a part in mine and my dad’s life. I believe Pete has worked incredibly hard and taken the club forward and I want to keep this momentum going.
I know the club very well and it has an exceptional opportunity. We have such a strong volunteer base at the club which manage our day to day activities and I hope that can grow from strength to strength.
In Adam, Aarran and Michelle we have first class football leadership. My first priority is to build a capable board off the pitch that can govern and steer the Football Club through its ambitious pathway”.
George (Owner) added, “I think Barry’s CV speaks for itself! After having known & worked with him for over a year, as soon as he indicated he’d be interested in the role it was a no brainer for me.
Barry’s past experience and understanding of how a Non-League Football Club operates Make him perfect to continue the good work done by Pete and push the Club forward.
The fact that he’s also played for the club, and his dad volunteered here for many years is an added bonus!”
More detail on who will also be joining Barry on the board in due course.
