Sandra Deaton has been appointed as Table Tennis England Chairman after an open application process.

The Chairman was previously voted for by Company Members but, as laid down in the Government’s Code for Sports Governance, the Chairman must now be appointed by the Board following an open and transparent application process.

Three applicants were shortlisted by the Nominations Committee which comprised independent Directors Mark Quartermaine, Andrew Nixon and Dee Paterson, plus Elected Directors Susie Hughes and Keith Thomas.

After interviews, Sandra was appointed to serve a four-year term, which will begin at the end of the AGM on June 29. This will be her second and final permitted term in office.

The nomination and voting process for three Elected Deputy Chairmen will now begin. Full details will be announced in the coming days, including a Role Description, how to make a nomination, how the candidates will be able to make statements about themselves and how the voting procedure will work.

Sandra said: “I am extremely honoured and proud to be appointed to serve a second term of office as chairman of Table Tennis England.

“It has been an amazing few years chairing a governing body which has moved forward to become a professional organisation which has served to encompass all aspects of the sport and established itself once again as a leading International Association.

“I am so fortunate to have a committed Board who continually work together to lead the sport strategically and work with the executive staff and operational delivery team to serve the sport at every level.

“We still have lots to do and our focus will be on developing many opportunities to increase participation through enhanced exposure of the sport as well has working with our dedicated players and volunteers through clubs, leagues and counties.

“Together we can continue to grow our sport and remain ‘a sport for all for life’.”