London, United Kingdom — The British Volleyball Federation (BVF) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Kontopoulos as its new President and Chairman of the Board, a strategic move that promises to usher in a new era of growth and achievement for volleyball across the UK.
With a distinguished career that spans over two decades of leadership in volleyball and beach volleyball, both domestically and internationally, Mr. Kontopoulos brings a wealth of experience to the BVF. His roles have included President of Volleyball England’s Beach Commission, senior positions at major international events such as the Athens 2004 and London 2012 Olympic Games, and advisor to the UK Beach Tour board. As a co-founder of the event management company SideOut and Chairman of SideOut Beach Volleyball Club, his impact spans across all facets of the sport.
Mr. Kontopoulos’ contributions to volleyball extend beyond governance and administrative roles; he is a certified FIVB Instructor, involved in coaching at the top level and delivering coaching courses worldwide. His passion for the sport is matched by his professional expertise as an international corporate lawyer, with a focus on strategic alliances, dispute resolution, and corporate governance. His dual qualifications as a solicitor in England and Wales and attorney-at-law in New York, coupled with his experience lecturing in Sports Law, position him uniquely to guide the BVF through its next phase of development and success.
Upon accepting the role, Mr. Kontopoulos expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s a tremendous honour to have this opportunity and responsibility to contribute to the growth, development, and success of all disciplines of our sport across the UK. For me, volleyball has always been more than just a game – it’s a constant in my life that I’ve always held close to my heart. I am eager to bring my skills, experience, and dedication to the BVF and to continue giving back to our sport in this new capacity. I look forward to collaborating and connecting with all partners and stakeholders, and taking British Volleyball to new heights together!”
The timing of Mr. Kontopoulos’ appointment is particularly significant as the BVF celebrated an uplift in investment from UK Sport for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games cycle, and prepares to enter into a new funding cycle leading up to Los Angeles 2028. This, combined with a growing participation in volleyball across the UK via the home nations, signals an exciting time for the sport.
The BVF, acting as the national governing body for all disciplines of volleyball in the UK, plays a crucial role in lobbying for funding and support for athletes to compete in elite competitions. With disciplines including indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, sitting volleyball, and snow volleyball, the Federation is at the heart of the sport’s development.
Under Mr. Kontopoulos’ leadership, the BVF is poised to capitalise on recent successes and funding to further its mission of achieving Olympic and Paralympic success, while fostering the growth of volleyball at all levels throughout the UK. His vision for the future aligns with the Federation’s strategic goals, promising an exciting chapter ahead for British volleyball.
The British Volleyball Federation and its partners welcome Mr. Mark Kontopoulos and look forward to the innovation, leadership, and passion he brings to the sport. Together, we are committed to taking British Volleyball to new heights and achieving unprecedented success on the international stage.
We wish to thank both Richard Callicott for him time as president of the BVF, and Nick Meacham’s excellent tenure as an independent director of the board, and interim chair which helped the BVF continue it’s positive momentum through this Paris cycle.
