Welsh Gymnastics has appointed Ann Bevan as its new chief executive.

A native of Pembroke, Bevan represented Wales at hockey in the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games in 1998 and was a physical education teacher at Howells School in Cardiff for more than 17 years. Since leaving teaching she has worked in various roles at Sport Wales and is currently a high performance advisor.

In her present role she helps sports’ national governing bodies to build systems and infrastructure to support elite athletes. In the last Commonwealth Games cycle, she worked with a variety of sports to prepare their coaches and athletes for the games and her work contributed to Wales’ most successful Commonwealth Games.

Bevan will replace Beverley Smith, who has been at the helm of Welsh Gymnastics as an interim CEO since Rhian Gibson left last summer.

On her appointment, Bevan said: “I am delighted to be joining Welsh Gymnastics.

“Sport is an integral part of mine and my family’s life. My husband works in sport and my sons live and breathe it. I know the opportunities getting involved in sport at an early age can bring and I am passionate about introducing as many people, of all ages, to the foundation stages.

“The gymnastics community is passionate, committed and talented and I look forward to working with all the volunteers, staff, board and partners to grow and further develop this fantastic organisation.”

Helen Phillips MBE, Chair of Welsh Gymnastics, said: ‘’On behalf of the board I would like to welcome Ann to the gymnastics world. Ann is not a stranger to our sport, having previously worked with Gymnastics in preparation for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.  We are thrilled to welcome her to our national governing body where its staff and members clearly display commitment and expertise to our sport.

“To appoint our new CEO, we conducted a three-stage interview process, which included a consultation with experienced members of Welsh Gymnastics.

“Ann demonstrated a strong understanding of the domestic and international needs of our sport, as well as the opportunities and challenges that are likely to come our way. She is joining an organisation which is in great shape following recent successes at elite and community level and I’m sure Ann will help us progress further in the coming years.”