GBT
After leading GB Taekwondo through the Tokyo and Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games cycles, Julia Newton has reached the end of her term as Chair of the GB Taekwondo Board. Current senior non-executive board member Ian Gillis has been appointed to replace Julia and will take over the role on 1 September 2025. Ian is a passionate supporter of the team, a martial artist and a senior partner in the international law firm Hill Dickinson.
With Julia’s leadership and support, GB Taekwondo has enjoyed extraordinary success in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the team winning 4 Olympic and 4 Paralympic medals across the Tokyo and Paris Games. She steered the organisation through the Covid 19 pandemic and oversaw the hosting of 6 major international events, including 4 World Taekwondo GPs, the 2022 European Championship and the 2019 World Championship. Behind the scenes, Julia led the organisation through the modernisation of its working practices, ensuring compliance with the Code for Sport Governance and transforming the relationship between GB Taekwondo and its National Governing Body partner, British Taekwondo. Julia brought her business experience, social purpose, and her passion for sport to GB Taekwondo, always holding an unwavering commitment to performance and to doing what is right rather than what is easy.
Reflecting on Julia’s contribution, Ian Gillis, newly appointed Chair, said:
"I am delighted and proud to be appointed the chair of GB Taekwondo. I would like to thank Julia Newton for her outstanding contribution and commitment to the organisation. I am looking forward to working with Paul, the board, our people and the athletes as we move towards Los Angeles 2028 and build upon the success we have achieved in previous European, World, Olympic and Paralympic Games."
-Ian Gillis
“Serving as chair of GB Taekwondo has been a privilege and a genuine career highlight. I couldn’t be more proud of the exceptional team of staff, athletes, partners and board who are some of the most impressive people I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
The outstanding results they’ve achieved have been the result of years of careful strategic planning, hard work and commitment and I know that with Ian as new chair our team will continue to reach new heights both on and off the mat. Ian has been a truly inspiring and incredibly supportive SINED, his passion, care, sharp intellect and genuine kindness will ensure a very bright future as we expand our pathway and our goals.”
-Julia Newton
Independent director Dr Mike Loosemore also steps down from the GB Taekwondo Board having served the organisation since 2017. Mike’s depth of knowledge and experience in combat sports medicine and his high-performance mindset have guided the organisation to remain focussed and to ensure that the health and welfare of athletes stays at the top of the agenda.
As a result of these changes, we welcome three new non-executive independent directors to the GB Taekwondo Board, each of whom brings new skills and a depth of experience. The three new directors are, Dr. Jo Larkin (Medical Director for Women’s Rugby World Cup), Chris Haynes (Strategic Communications Consultant), and Vicky Lowe (Sport and Social Impact Consultant).
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