Development Team
The WPBSA Sport Development Team is responsible for the creation of opportunities for people across the globe to participate in the sports of snooker and English billiards.
From recreational players to elite talent destined to reach the highest level of our sport, the team aims to support all and encourage people of any gender or nationality to pick up a cue and enjoy cue sports.
Operations
Chris Hornby – Chief Operating Officer & Company Secretary
Chris has been instrumental in the management of the WPBSA’s Sport Development Team since he joined us in January 2015. He has overseen the growth of key areas of amateur snooker, as well as having introduced new support mechanisms for main tour players.
He has previous experience of project management from his previous position at Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Media
Matt Huart – Head of Communications
Matt joined the team in November 2015 and is responsible for the coordination of media and communications across the WPBSA Group. He is also involved in the ongoing development of the WPBSA’s subsidiary organisations, including World Women’s Snooker of which he became a director in 2018 and World Disability Billiards and Snooker.
Prior to joining the WPBSA he managed the snooker website ‘Pro Snooker Blog’ from 2008 and previously worked in the legal profession as a solicitor.
Ryan Watterson – WPBSA Media Officer
Ryan joined the WPBSA’s media team in 2024 and provides additional support across the Group and its activities.
A lifelong snooker fan, Ryan is the great nephew of Mike Watterson, who alongside his wife Carole is credited with bringing snooker to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield back in 1977.
Player Relations
Neil Tomkins – Player Relations Manager
Neil joined us in June 2019 in the role of Player Relations Manager, which provides a first point of contact, advice and support to current Tour players and past members on a wide range of issues. Day-to-day responsibilities include the management of the Players’ Commission, communicating key information to World Snooker Tour players and representing their views at Board level of both WPBSA and WST. He is also responsible for identifying and procuring additional support and benefits that the WPBSA can provide to its members.
Neil is a former professional player and has maintained close links to snooker ever since, most recently having worked for WST’s Official Data Partner, Sportradar.
Coaching
Chris Lovell – Head of Coaching and Training Development Manager
A qualified snooker coach since June 2008, Chris Lovell has been a key figure behind the WPBSA Coaching Programme for over a decade before joining us full-time in 2019.
In 2018 he led the development of the new 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Snooker Coaching, the first qualification of its kind in our sport to be recognised by nationally recognised awarding organisation 1st4sport Qualifications.
He has also played an important role within the Paul Hunter Foundation as its Head of Delivery since 2006.
Sport Development
Jamie Blair – Sport Development Officer
Jamie joined the team in June 2024 having previously served as the Disability Golf Manger at England Golf for 10 years, developing participation opportunities, creating club support resources and helping shape the competition and performance pathways.
He started working in sport with the Activity Alliance in 2008 and continues to volunteer on their events. Additionally, as a volunteer he serves on the Sheffield Football Trust and as the Head of Classification for International Rugby League, helping to develop the International codified game of Physical Disability Rugby League.
Administration
Lisa Bray – Accounts & Administration Manager
Lisa has worked for the WPBSA since 2012. The hub of the Bristol office Lisa manages the accounts and administration of the WPBSA and supports the majority of its subsidiary companies with their accounts processing.
Lisa is heavily involved with the WPBSA Coaching Programme with a number of roles including the processing and administration of DBS checks for potential WPBSA coaches and the scheduling of the coaches for the Cue Zone at World Snooker Tour events. She also assists Chairman Jason Ferguson with managing his busy diary and travel plans.
Jessica Ives – WPBSA Administration Assistant
Jessica was previously the Administrator to the WPBSA Company Secretary from November 2001 to July 2011 before leaving to work as a classroom/learning support assistant. She also wrote a children’s book ‘The Little Stripey Button’ before returning to the WPBSA in 2022.
To contact any of our development team please use our contact form.
Vacancies
None currently.